Roaring Camp Railroad’s steam train malfunction caused accident

Around noon on Monday, December 28, while the train was on the tracks looping around Bear Mountain, it was unable to come to a stop and rolled forward into a dirt hillside. Apparently the train’s throttle was stuck as it was coming to a stop on the tracks during a point of the trip where the vehicles switch to head back in reverse, according to Felton Fire Protection Chief Ron Rickabaugh.
The passengers felt a strong jerk and several fell. However, the two-car train was traveling at approximately 2-3 miles per hour so no one actually fell out of the train, said Joanne Hirasaki, Director of Sales & Marketing. The railroad was inspected immediately following the accident and was cleared to operate. The 2:00 p.m. train ride ran without incident.
Eight passengers were injured – four suffered moderate injuries and were transported in ambulances to DominicanHospital; four other passengers suffered minor injuries and were released at the scene. The ambulances transporting people to Dominican did not need to use the sirens.
The train had a Korean tour group of about 40 plus visitors and a few other people not in the tour group were on the train. None of the Korean train riders was hurt; in fact they enjoyed the Western BBQ lunch afterwards.
Roaring Camp Railroads CEO Melani Clark released a statement Monday evening: “Passenger safety is our top priority and despite an exemplary safety and maintenance record, we regret today’s incident occurred. Our sincerest apologies to all of our passengers, and especially those who were affected. In the meantime, all of us at the Railroad are grateful for the outpouring of concern we have received from the public.”
Felton Fire Protection Chief Ron Rickabaugh commented, “Roaring Camp has a terrific reputation. We hardly ever go up there for anything.”