1944 train wreck in Colfax killed 9

In the cold, early morning hours of Nov. 8, 1944, a San Francisco bound train met its fate.At approximately 5:10 a.m., the Southern Pacific passenger train plunged from the tracks near Landers crossing, three miles west of Colfax. Landers is at the intersection of Placer Hills and Plumtree roads where the tracks cross Mt. Howell road. Passenger coaches were hurled 25 to 50 feet. The 18-car train was carrying 408 Navy personnel, 172 soldiers and 170 civilians. Of the 18 cars, 10 derailed. Six coaches, a diner, and three baggage cars telescoped behind the engine. Only eight cars remained standing.Nine people lost their lives that morning, including Engineer Fred C. Graham of Roseville and an infant. Engineer Graham was crushed beneath the big cab-ahead engine when it rammed against a dirt bank and flipped onto its side. More than 80 people were injured — many trapped inside the wreckage. Fireman Donald Hurley escaped injury and ran to the home of Ernest Lombardi, who immediately drove Hurley to Colfax to report the disaster. Many of the injured were loaded aboard the upright cars, which were pulled to Colfax and then to Auburn over eastbound tracks.Eighty-two people were admitted to DeWitt General Hospital, which was operated during World War II by the Army.In researching this tragedy, I discovered something that surprised all of us.Think back to Jan. 28, 1986. That's the date of a terrible accident that took seven lives. The space shuttle Challenger exploded just after takeoff.Now go back 42 years to the accident in Colfax that killed nine. The name of that train was "Challenger!" Doesn't that give you chills?Next week I hope to find out who the locals are. What can you tell me about the roundhouses and engine barn in Colfax?In the interim, I have to say what a day we had on Saturday. If you missed all the "doings" in town, I'm sorry. I doubt if the celebration will ever be topped. Hats off to all the volunteers who made this celebration possible.Now if we can just get more young volunteers to help with all the other activities in town.Our next celebration is Founders' Day and we'll be celebrating the 100th birthday of Colfax as an incorporated city.So, start making plans for your floats for September's Founders' Day festivities and parade.