1946 Derailment at Mojave Narrows - Train 223 with UP 835

Mighty UP FEF Northern 835 lies on its side amongst the cement covered rocks at Mojave Narrows, just east of East Victorville, California - Sept. 26, 1946

Mighty UP FEF Northern 835 lies on its side amongst the cement covered rocks at Mojave Narrows, just east of East Victorville, California - Sept. 26, 1946

Sorting through the wreckage of  UP Train 223 near Victoville, California - September 26, 1946

Excessive speed was the cause of this derailment of Union Pacific's Transcontinental Limited in the Mojave River Narrows just east of East Victorville, California. Just to right of the first photograph are the twin truss bridges that cross the Mojave River. The rocks in this area are covered with layers of solidified cement dust (from Southwestern Portland Cement,) which lightens them considerably. This train was hauling quite a few servicemen, as this was a period of major de-mobilization from WWII.  Seven people including a porter were killed in the wreck, and from 50-75 were injured. The Engineer and Fireman survived.