Re: Another freaky observation...RIP Joe Wilmer

If my math is correct, 78 years ago, August 31, 1943, #20 was doubleheading westward (timetable east) from Durango to Dolores with 2-8-0 #40. On a sharp left hand curve just below the summit at Cima, #40 derailed its blind #3 driver to the inside of the curve, pulling the back and main (#2) drivers with it. Combined with the super elevation on the curve, #40 gave a hard lurch to the inside of the curve, rolling over to the left. Both #40 and #20 were pulling hard, and couplers were pulled tight. #40 rolled over on its left side taking #20 with it. Albert Gibbs was engineer on #40 with Lee "Pinky" Lynton was firing. Lynton jumped and escaped injury. Gibbs went over with the engine, got some bad burns and took several months to recover. He then took his retirement. Lynton continued to work to the end of the RGS and then hired on with the D&RGW working into the 1960's.

Up ahead on the #20, engineer Lewis was tossed out of the cab. Fireman Joe Wilmer was caught and trapped under the cab or tender of #20. It took over 2 hours to hacksaw through a grab iron to free him. He was taken down to the highway, loaded into an ambulance and taken to the Durango hospital. He died shortly after arriving at the hospital of internal injuries.

RIP Joe Wilmer.