Daily Independent Journal from San Rafael, California · Page 2

Tuesday. August 23, 1955
Derailment Of Zephyr Blame On Track Fault
HAYWARD i/P)

Investigators today tentatively blamed a soft spot beneath a section of newly-laid
track for the derailment of nine cars of Western Pacific’s plush California Zephyr near
a downtown Hayward intersection.  Although most of the 196 passengers aboard were shaken
and frightened when the train jumped the tracks late yesterday, none was reported
injured.  Two crewmen suffered minor injuries.  I' IR.XIX \VRKC;K—(icneral view of
Western Pacific’s California Zephyr which lelt the rails at Hayward while en route to
Oakland.  Approximately 500 leet of track were torn up by the eight cars which were
derailed.  Only slight injuries were reported. (.\P W’ire[)hoto)

NONE OVERTURNED
None of the cars overturned and all remained coupled to one another after the 12-car
westbound streamliner came to a crunching jolting stop after ripping out an estimated
960 feet of track.  Railroad ties were scattered about like matchsticks.  The Zephyr’s
diesel locomotive its baggage car and a passenger coach remained on the tracks.  Western
Pacific Investigators said a section of newly-laid track shifted out of line and
overturned beneath the dining car, fourth in line behind the engine.  The diner jumped
the rails, pulling eight cars with it—including a crowded cafe-lounge car, a domed
observation car, a coach and pullmans.

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