Heavy rains caught up with the D&SNG this afternoon when the first train out of town was stopped at about MP 486 with mud slides and water across the tracks. Busses were sent up to take the people off the second train back to Durango, and the first train then started to back into Silverton. With the engine running low on water, the Hot Shot 1 was sent down with the boxcar containing the fire fighting water supply off the second train, and the train then made it to about MP 494 when it again ran low on water. Engine 481 from the second train was then dispatched down the canyon and it pulled the entire train back into town, including engine and the Cinco Animas. The folks on that train are now eating dinner in the various restaurants, and weather and road conditions permitting, will be bussed back to Durango this evening.
I was at the depot while much of this was happening. I am thoroughly impressed by the professionalism shown by everyone connected with the railroad in this situation. From the dispatcher to train crews and management, the entire scenario was handled calmly, with the utmost concern for passenger safety, and that everyone was taken care of properly. This is quite a storm and there is a flood alert this evening for Durango extending up to Silverton. Local efforts were coordinated by Lynn Hutson, the Silverton station agent, aided by Lois McKenzie, director of local emergency services. All the restaurants and hotels/motels were on alert, and considering the circumstances, this was a very smooth effort in a difficult situation.
For the hell of it, here are some photos from this evening:
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