Is This Ohio's Worst Train Accident?

[@KibuFox]

I remember reading an account of this wreck, and the investigation afterward, and seem to recall that at the time of operation, the engineer was running the railcar from the REAR cab, where the engine compartment was. The railcar was notorious for exhaust leaking into that part of the railcar, and it is theorized that the engineer may have been affected by the fumes.

[@heathermizanin3994]

I drive through that very intersection at least once a month. I love the fact that some junior high kids took their project to heart and brought this monument to fruition.

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

I agree Heather! It’s fantastic that they were able to achieve this! Thanks again for your continued support!

[@bronwentillman8385]

My dad grew up watching a Doodlebug go up and down the Muskingum River near Waterford, Ohio, so my boys and I heard all about it. It ran on the other side of the river from my great-grandmother's house. My dad helped my oldest to become interested in trains with those stories. Thank you for your work in these videos. I've lived all over the eastern half of Ohio, and I studied history at Kent State, and one can never learn enough about history! I was wondering...was the mayor of CF Mr. Don Robart, or had he retired by then?

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Thank you for this Wen! I’m not sure about the town’s Mayor.

[@Kassandria-wc1tj]

I can’t imagine what the passengers went through

[@pisceanx8382]

This one was tough to listen to. What a horrible tragedy. Thank you though, for bringing back into the light, lest these folks be forgotten.

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Thanks PISCEAN X. Was tough to research. Then when we saw the artifacts in person it became very real. Too real.

[@MelanieCravens]

I appreciate the effort you and your team went to to find the location where the Doodlebug came to rest. That kind of info interests me.

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Thank you for watching Melanie! 😊 Much appreciated!

[@RobinHood-1961]

The Ashtabula Train Disaster is the worst train accident in Ohio history.

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

It sure is Robin Hood. Did you watch that video too?

[@leitmotif7268]

You’re really making fantastic content and shining a lot of light on Ohio’s history, which is foundational to so much of our Nation’s development and growth. Thank you for doing what you’re doing, you’re giving me a whole new appreciation for my home state.

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

You're welcome stainedglasstears! Happy to be of service. And thank YOU for watching and commenting! I truly appreciate it!

[@shacklifecustoms8430]

I know right. before this Ohio only had sister f ing backwards ass thinking

[@celenacasciani8500]

Unfathomable pain and suffering those poor doomed people withstood even for a second is hard to even comprehend.

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

I agree Celena. Couple that with the fear and impending doom. Makes my heart sick!

[@dougmorris2134]

RIP those that lost their lives 💔 4648 💔 Thank you John for this tribute Best wishes from UK 🇬🇧❤️🇺🇸

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Thank you Doug. So nice of you. Best wishes from the states. And again thank you for your support!

[@heater1blackbird130]

This is one of the best Videos I have ever seen on you tube. Thanks al loit !! PS. Im from Portsmouth Ohio

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Thank you Heater1. 😊😊😊

[@MustangsTrainsMowers]

I’m wondering if the fuel tank was up in the front of the Doodlebug? Or was it setup to run bidirectional? Returning from a pizza delivery I drove near the scene of a serious car accident 3 years ago. The smoke was thick black and billowing up into the air. I actually heard the impact about 2 minutes before seeing the black smoke. About 3 hours later I found out it was a former restaurant coworker Sam L who they think was texting when he steered into the path of a dump truck. His car was crushed to about half its original length and he died instantly.

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

From what I understand, the doodlebug was bidirectional. I can’t even imagine what it would have been like to see the doodlebug accident as it happened nor would I want to see a car vs a dump truck. Very sad.

[@MustangsTrainsMowers]

@@CuriousHistoryYT Yeah the cloud of smoke was thick and black when I saw it from about a block away. I was about 1000 feet due west when I had my windows closed in my truck and heard the sound like a giant metal trash can being crushed. Sam started out washing dishes then delivered pizza. We didn’t know when he would show up. I criticized him more than others who have done the same thing. He was raised by his mom so no father around. He joined The National Guard and was deployed here in the Twin Cities for the George Floyd riots. I think he was starting to mature. I wasn’t close to him at all but for some reason it’s hit me hard. Hard I’m guessing because I heard the sound of the crash that killed him and about 90 seconds later saw the smoke billowing into the air. One of the tow truck drivers told me that the cars total length after impact was very short. So they probably had to cut the car apart to get the body out. His body was barely recognizable, possibly burned. His mom luckily has a happy go lucky personality and she must have just contained her grief as I’ve only seen her a few times since he passed.

[@Spud1535]

another great video keep up the great work sad story but i thought was ironic when you said the now abanndoned track and you hear a train horn

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Thank you Spud 153! As you can tell I wasn’t expecting that at all! Had to regroup and press forward. Thanks for watching and commenting! 😊

[@pheona1164]

This was... tragic and touching. Those poor people. You honor their story well enough to have me fight back a tear or 2. I hope you and your family are safe after the latest rail incident.

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Thank you Pheona. We are doing well. Those poor people in East Palestine have it rough.

[@robertbruce1887]

Excellent video, quite thorough, especially about the final resting place of the burning 'Doodle Bug'

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Thank you Robert. And thank you for watching!

[@SueGirling68]

So horrible how those people died, may they rest in peace. Thank you for sharing, much love. xx 💞

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

❤️❤️

[@jamesrader3329]

Loves the video thanks for sharing

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

My pleasure James! Thank you!

[@evanstauffer4470]

Good report. One correction: Gasoline is "flammable"; diesel fuel is "combustible". It is considerably more difficult to ignite a combustible liquid compared to a flammable liquid.

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

You a so right Evan. I stand corrected! Thank you for watching!

[@bobb1870]

This is such a sad history. Those school kids and their research allowed the 44 to be remembered. Thanks for sharing.

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

You’re welcome Robert! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@cherylcox8517]

Thank you for all of your careful research and thoughtful presentations. Your service of providing carefully researched information in a brief format is to be applauded.❤

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Bless you Cheryl! 😊

[@ricknixdorf7316]

Indeed Curious History! Why did the Engineer bypass the siding? What took the Conductor so long to notice that the siding had been bypassed? A tragic event. Great digging to find out more of Ohio's Curious History. Thanx again!

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Oh man Rick! Thank you for such an excellent comment! I LOVE it! Thanks again for your continued support!!!

[@Moe-RJ100]

It’s sad the person who caused the accident actually survived…

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

I was shocked,Moe, when I found out he kept his job and was back on the rails so soon. I’d like to believe it wasn’t negligence on his part but instead it really was the fumes. Guess we will never really know the truth.

[@RICDirector]

Love your detailing of the research, much appreciated.

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Thank you! 😊😊😊

[@kiwisunshine9631]

How sad that it takes such a tragedy to occur and lives are lost before things are improved and fixed. I found it a bit eerie that you are standing there talking about death and dying, while close by the traffic carries on behind you. Great interesting story, sad, but interesting! And yes, I have a few tales of my own I could tell, maybe I will add them to my blog one day! Many thanks:-)

[@yvonnekirk3625]

Another great tale. I am really enjoying learning so much of places I hadn’t heard of. Thanks.

[@jeffreykoger3978]

Loved the video, as always. I was struck by the fact that even after causing the wreck, and jumping to safety while the passengers perished, the engineer kept his job! Look forward to your next content!

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Thank you Jeff! I was surprised he kept his job as well but it was different times I guess. Thanks again for watching and commenting!

[@cautionTosser]

well, they did say that prior to this tragedy he had a very good record. should people be fired for one mistake? Granted, this was a doozie! I guess there are things we will never know. Like whether or not it was a temporary medical issue, or if he simply forgot. You know how it is when you've done something repeatedly - you almost go on autopilot. But if they put a detour, it's like you've never driven before. When you (not you, Jeffrey, but you CH) mentioned that he took pride in being on time I started to wonder how far down the line the track split? Or if it was a single track for a long way. Because if the driver knew it split just a little ways down the track, he might've thought he could beat the big train since he was a little ahead of time. Again - we'll never know all the details.

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

I thought the same thing CautionTosser. But after surveying the rail lines it looks like that was the only pull off available. I think he just missed it for whatever reason. But you’re right. We may never know for certain.

[@maryannlohr7379]

Hey hope you're doing well, watching from Roanoke Virginia. I just found you're channel and find it very, very interesting love hearing about history thank you so much 😊

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

😊😊😊

[@brendaaprince7734]

What a sad story, but so nice now to see a monument dedicated to the loss of all those people. I'm sharing your story's John.❤️

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Thank you Brenda! Yes a very sad story indeed. Thanks for watching, commenting, and sharing! I truly appreciate it!

[@joem715]

I have to admit that I had goosebumps listening to this tragic story, and especially at the end, where you showed the comparison photos to where the Doodlebug came to a stop. It's hard to believe how quickly this story was forgotten until the students worked so hard to get the monument up. By that time it had only been 65 years since the tragedy happened, and 65 years are only a tiny slice in history. I was wondering if there are descendants or relatives of the victims still living in the town, or maybe even people who witnessed the whole event. I was also surprised that a memorial didn't already exist, but I'm very glad the three students were able to get it accomplished. Thank you for yet another great story. I truly enjoy watching your videos.

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Thank you Jo Em! I really appreciate your support!

[@joyalexander5842]

I REALLY appreciate the amount of research you do and going to the actual locations of these events. Growing up in Mentor, I remember hearing the trains through out the day and night. When you were at the memorial, I smiled too when the train whistles could be heard. Perfect timing for your memorial shot. And a perfect memory for me. Bless those school children for making a school report into a memorial.

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

If it weren’t for those kids we may have lost a very important piece of history!

[@thespaceace5637]

It's pretty hard to cover Summit County history without discussing the Doodlebug Disaster. I hadn't even heard of it until several years ago, and I was amazed to find out it is quite well known internationally. A gasoline-powered rail car seems like insanity now, but I'm guessing back then the lower costs of operation were viewed as outweighing any risks to passengers. I look at the dead and overgrown rail line now and it's just impossible to imagine the absolute horror that once transpired there. But thank you for finally discovering the exact location of the event. I know ther general area has been known for a while, but I don't know of anyone pinpointing the exact spot until now. And kudos to those students who resurrected the memory of the lives lost. P.S. In the same vein as this story, I think you might find the Carrollton Bus Disaster interesting as well.

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Thank you Space Ace for watching and commenting! I will take a look at the Carrollton Bus disaster. I haven’t heard about it until now. Any other suggestions you might have would be appreciated. Thanks again for your continued support!

[@JS-fs3vq]

John, your video’s are seriously of exceptional quality! I REALLY wish you could get your own show on a network or something. Your diligence in fact checking, production quality as well as your delivery are all a testament to my wish. This was indeed for me, by far, my number one video that you’ve posted yet. (Although, safe to say may quickly change since you have a knack for outdoing you’re previous video’s). This was one hell of a story and I appreciate the up front warning at the start. And to the three middle school students whom resurrected this piece of history…WOW! They should hold their heads up high..

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Thank you JS! Very kind of you to say! I owe a lot to my family who have really stepped in to help with these videos on both the technical side and with the research. The three students did a great service to the community by stepping up and making sure these souls were properly memorized. In turn, the students were duly recognized by several organizations.

[@gloriagarza2873]

So sad that this happened, may they be resting in peace. Thank you to those young men did to always remember the terrible crush.

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Well said Gloria. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@brandyjean7015]

@@CuriousHistoryYT two young men & a young woman 💙

[@whoohaaXL]

I'd like to think the Ashtabula horror....When the double-headed Express fell through the Howe truss bridge right before the station at Ashtabula In 1879 (IF I recall correctly), is probably Ohio's worst rail disaster. At least it has a very special meaning for me. Any chance you will cover this in the future?

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

I think you’re right whoohaaXL. When you consider the amount of people who perished, and all the different ways they perished, Ashtabula must be the worst. Yep it’s on the list of sites to cover. Have a couple others in front of it but I will get there soon. Thank you for watching and commenting! I appreciate it!

[@whoohaaXL]

@@CuriousHistoryYT Always! You've got some great content going here!

[@jeffreymontgomery4091]

What a wonderful video and memorial to such an awful tragedy. Thanks for sharing!

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Thank you for watching! 😊😊😊

[@johnkelley6278]

Always like watching your videos 2 or 3 times because like a good movie you see something you missed each new time you watch it.This story was almost as sad as the Collenwood school fire which you done a great job on also. Thanks for the hard and time consuming work you put into your videos.

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Thank you John! I really appreciate this! 😊

[@jamesbednar8625]

Awesome video!!! My sister sent me some recommendations of your videos of sites that she and I have explored. For whatever reason, this particular video caught my attention. After watching it have subscribed. Am an old Ohioan living in the great state of Kansas for past 30+ years but am still interested in the history of my home state. Could show you plenty of historical sites in Kansas.

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Thank you for subscribing James! I’ve been to Kansas myself. Spent some time between Hutchinson, Great Bend, and Pawnee Rock. Lovely area!

[@jamesbednar8625]

@@CuriousHistoryYT Awesome!! Know that area well!!

[@jamesholt7612]

Awesome video my friend also a very sad time in Ohio history. Have you heard about the military train crash that happened during WW2 in Jellico Tennessee?

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Thank you James! Sad time indeed. No I have not heard about the Jellico crash. Something I should look into? Thanks again for commenting and watching!

[@jamesholt7612]

@@CuriousHistoryYT You're welcome my friend. I love everything history including military history and law enforcement history.

[@jasonhammond4640]

Love the research that you do for these videos.👍👍

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Thanks Jason! Love the comments you’re leaving on them!

[@almagardner9655]

Love your history information & photos. Most interesting & like the way you present it.

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Thank you Alma! I like the way you comment!!!

[@MrDoeboy356]

Another great documentary thanks for the video.

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Thank you MrDoeboy! And thank you for your continued support! I truly appreciate it.

[@darlenejohnson8864]

What an amazing story albeit a sad one. Such a tragedy. Thank you for telling the story.

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Thank you for watching and commenting Darlene! I appreciate your support!😊

[@pamelashiflett5281]

WOW, great research ! Well done !

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Thank you! 😊😊🙏🙏

[@jamesTBurke]

Doodlebug disaster that's another one I haven't heard about since I was a kid. They need to give you a show on the history Channel so this history is never forgotten

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

High praise James! I appreciate it! 😊

[@jamesTBurke]

@@CuriousHistoryYT no praise necessary. History Channel needs to go back to teaching history not pawn stars and American pickers. And honestly your voice just sound fitting for history documentaries

[@MelanieCravens]

​@@jamesTBurkeI miss when TLC (the learning channel) had educational shows and The History Channel had history shows and SciFi Channel (not SyFy) had science fiction shows (wrestling does NOT count as sci-fi!)

[@jamesTBurke]

@@MelanieCravens I 100% agree. Sci-fi is now the same 10 movies

[@callumgeier9621]

Enjoyed this one about that railcar on fire..interesting history...you do a good job at your content so Glade I found your channel!

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Thank you King Edward! I appreciate that very much! Thanks again for watching and commenting! It’s great having you here!

[@teresalopes388]

Thank you for the your amazing content. Please continue to make more. ❤️

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Will do! Thanks for watching and commenting Teresa! 😊😊😊

[@KatiePerrin]

Great video! I have been looking for one on this. I work in the building in the basement where they brought a lot of the burned victims bodies. I believe it had been a pharmacy/Dr office at the time. I'm by myself so it does get erie at times. But it's just my mind playing tricks on me.

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Thank you Katie! I’m pretty sure that if someone told me I’d be working alone in the basement where they brought the bodies of the victims I’d have to reassess my options! 🤣🤣🤣 I’m sure it is your imagination but I bet it seems all too real at times! Thank you for watching and commenting! I appreciate it!

[@KatiePerrin]

@@CuriousHistoryYT We took some photos down there a few years ago just for a good laugh. And we actually had a few strange things in a few of the photos. Some had orbs and misty looking clouds. Almost like someone had just exhaled from smoking a large cigar.

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

👀 sounds like you might have something there!

[@edkramer8154]

wow. another great video. thankyou for taking the time to research this.

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Thank you for watching Ed!

[@Moe-RJ100]

Rest In Peace for all those who died in this horrible accident.

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Amen Moe.

[@lisad476]

Very much Love your stuff. Thank you

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Thank you Lisa! 😊

[@lisad476]

@@CuriousHistoryYT My Grandma talked about here in Portland the railroad didn't want 2 steam engines anymore..they ran them head on full throttle at each other for a long the river. It was a massive thing she said and very scary.

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Why would they do such a thing!?

[@lisad476]

@@CuriousHistoryYT I guess they were going to scrap them. It was in the teens. My Grandma said everyone brought picnic lunches to watch it. The railroad made a big deal of it...but after they did it they realized how dangerous it was

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Wow! I guess so!

[@Lewman211]

Oh my goodness, where does one start with this? What a sad story of all those who lost their lives on the Doodlebug. If only the Engineer had mentioned the fume issues earlier, and someone had looked into it, this tragic story would not have happened. I cannot imagine what it would have been like in the Doodlebug at the time of the collision, as the passengers had no idea of what was coming, or that their lives would end that day. May God bless them all, and to the students of the school, who with determined effort brought to life this tragic story, and had a monument placed, so that we will never forget those who perished that day. And may God bless you to John, and your crew for providing such wonderful videos for us to enjoy as well. To be honest, after watching the video, i did shed some tears for them all. Thank you so much, and keep your wonderful videos coming.

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Thank you Lewis! I am humbled by your comment. Such a wonderful thing to read. From my crew to yours, thank you so much! It’s our pleasure!

[@gregoryclayton8287]

Well, I tell you what! it never fells, like the old-old saying, a day late and a dollar short, and more life's lost, and then there's the old-old song, when will they ever learn? Seems like the innocent always pays the price before they set things right.... and that's a fact! Inclosing, REST IN PEACE to all the victims, and my heart and prayers goes out to all of their families, and all involved in this major tragedy, in which I believe, could have been avoided, a real shame. When will they ever learn?........ at ah boy to Curious History, job well done. Signed, Greg the Egg.

[@davidwilcox7346]

I away enjoy and learn. Thank you.

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Thanks again David. Always enjoy seeing you here!

[@meshachfoster749]

Man damn, i really like the way u tell stories

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

I really like the way you comment Meshach! 😊

[@barryallenflash1]

Love your videos, being born and raised in IN I can appreciate the stories from "next door". Just an fyi for your vids, putting a "graphic content/warning" at the beginning might be a good idea, especially for ones like this one. It didn't bother ME, but there are some folks that might click off the video if not forewarned.

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Thanks for the help Brian. I appreciate it.

[@barblenihan5331]

very interesting, didn't know all this history a true historian!!!

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Thank you Barb! And thanks for watching and commenting!

[@chrismillersrcfamily]

Awesome video and a lot of great information 👍🏼👍🏼 subbed to ya neighbor

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Thanks Chris. I appreciate the sub! And thanks for watching and commenting!

[@m0L3ify]

"On July 31st, 1940, Doodlebug #648 left Hudson, Ohio, at 5:49 pm heading south to Akron..." OH NO!! Is THIS why they gave us so many word problems in math class? So we could prevent the next railway disaster?? This casts word problems in a whole new light...I feel like we should have paid more attention... 😨

[@SaraKammeraad-i5v]

Sacred ground right there.

[@EricCampbellUAV]

you said the one in ashtabula was the worst in the country…

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Yes. And it was

[@bloodynessie1]

Im curious to how those middle school students come across this. I am very interest in train history. 😊

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

I believe it was just a social studies report that their teacher wanted them to complete but they took it to a whole new level. Thanks for watching and commenting Baron!

[@cp368productions2]

Definitely something you never want to see.

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Totally agree CP368. I can’t image be the horror. Thanks for the comment and for watching!

[@christina9940]

Love your videos,could you do the Roger blough fire in lorain ohio

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Will do Christina! 😊

[@maryannlohr7379]

I like and did subscribed

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

THANK YOU FOR SUBSCRIBING MARYANN!!! Welcome to the community! I am so glad you are here!!! 😊😊😊

[@agentorange81]

Two very important subjects are not taught like they should be ,history and civics ,which civics arnt at all and that says it all,I'm 41 it wasn't taught in school ,I know what I do know from the old Lincoln method ,self education(shout out for my fellow self educated Kentuckian , who didnt want the job but did it because no one else would and suffered it ,even through having to be on the battlefield as Washington had to)

[@steveww1507]

sad

[@josephvanwie6706]

There is emence pressure to hire unqualified people to become airline pilots. If an individual is a certain race, gender, and sexual preference, then they are chosen. Instructors are afraid to express their honest opinions about said individual's mental acuity to not only handle a highly technical aircraft, but also respond well in an emergency situation. The story we just watched was very tragic. But a plane carrying hundreds of passengers, filled with jet fuel, and flying over a densely populated city and crashing would be extremely worse in comparison. And the day is coming this woke agenda will bring about great tragedy. An individual's level of intelligence should be the primary consideration for any position of responsibility. If not, many lives are needlessly being put in danger. The same for all of us when driving a vehicle, we must drive responsibly! Other's lives are at risk. Thanks for another video that shows we have one another's lives in our hands. Pitiful outcome!

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Thanks Joseph! Yes we are all connected aren’t we? I appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@SooSmokie]

Lol, you may have spoke too soon on this title.

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Indeed!

[@meadowrat8610]

👍❤🙏🙏🙏 PENNSYLVANIA

[@stuartk.9104]

Always in Ohio ☠️

[@TheRealKennedy]

Average train in Ohio:

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@curtislavallee8444]

great stuff

[@CuriousHistoryYT]

Thanks for your continued support Curtis! Much appreciated!