This week, Jess recounts a tragic event that occurred on September 28, 1917. A passenger train collided with an empty troop train near Kellyville, resulting in the death of 32 people and injuries to over 50 others. The majority of the fatalities occurred in the Jim Crow car, which was designated for African Americans due to segregation laws. The collision was attributed to a misunderstanding of orders and the running of the troop train in two sections.
The aftermath of the train wreck led to changes in passenger car construction laws, particularly that of prohibiting the use of wood in train car construction. The old metal bridge where the collision occurred can still be seen near the modern bridge on Route 66. It’s rumored the spirits of the victims still linger along the old railway tracks today…
Sources:
“Kellyville, Oklahoma - Small Town America” Legends of America
“Tragic Railroad Accident of 1917” from theroute-66.com
“The Archivist: A Tragic Anniversary” from The Oklahoman
“27 Die When Trains Crash At Kellyville” from RootsWeb
