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RAILROAD/HIGHWAY ACCIDENT REPORT: BOSTON AND MAINE CORPORATION SINGLE DIESEL-POWERED PASSENGER CAR 563 COLLISION WITH OXBOW TRANSPORT COMPANY TANK TRUCK AT SECOND STREET RAILROAD-HIGHWAY GRADE CROSSING EVERETT, MASSACHUSETTS, DECEMBER 28, 1966

At 12:10 AM, on December 28, 1966, eastbound firstclass passenger train No. 563, consisting of a single car diesel-powered passenger unit operated by the Boston and Maine Corporation collided with a northbound motor tank truck owned and operated by the Oxbow Transport Corporation stopped across the Second Street grade crossing at Everett, Mass. The collision resulted in the death of 11 of a total of 28 passengers and 2 of the 3 train crew members and other injuries and damage to property. The semi-trailer of the tank truck containing 8,200 gallons of fuel oil ruptured on impact, covering the forward end of the passenger car with the oil. A spread of flames immediately covered the forward section of the car. The fatalities were due to thermal burns and smoke inhalation. There was a lack of emergency exits in the car, in addition to an inward opening rear door which became jammed in a closed position while people were attempting to escape. The truck driver had left the vehicle prior to impact and was not injured. The probable cause of the accident was the loss of air pressure in the brake systems of the tractor-trailer which resulted in an automatic application of the brakes that could not be released from the cab of the tractor and therefore held the tractor-trailer directly across the Boston and Maine track at the collision point.

Media Info

  • Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos;
  • Pagination: 56 p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00071749
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: National Transportation Safety Board
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Nov 20 1976 12:00AM