6/27/2023 – 7 PM ET – Presented by author Mary Jane Kuffner Hirt
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On Christmas Eve 1917, an overcrowded, out-of-control Knoxville #4236 trolley exited the Mount Washington transit tunnel and crashed onto Carson Street. Twenty-three passengers and pedestrians were killed; over 80 were injured. It was the worst transit accident in the history of the City of Pittsburgh. The crash scene was chaotic as bystanders and P&LE Railroad employees frantically worked to remove the victims from the crash site. Most of those affected resided in Beltzhoover, Knoxville and Mt. Oliver. In the aftermath, public outrage over the tragedy led to criminal prosecution, civil suits, and the bankruptcy of the Pittsburgh Railways Co. “The Mount Washington Transit Tunnel Disaster,” by local author, Mary Jane Kuffner Hirt, documents the story.
Trolleyology presentations will continue on a regular or semi-regular basis. Interested in presenting? Email assistant@patrolley.org! We’re specifically looking for programs related to the Trolley Era in general, Pennsylvania transit history, or stories about our collection. Please join our e-mail list to stay up-to-date with program announcements and other PTM news!
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NOTE: This is a virtual event
