Mary T. Wojtyla: A Tribute After 30 Years

Mary T. Wojtyla: A Tribute After 30 Years

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Importance of Railroad Crossing Safety
3. Tragic Incidents Related to Railroad Safety
4. The Story of Mary T. Wojtyla
5. The Accident at Fairview Avenue Station
6. Immediate Aftermath and Lawsuit
7. Dismissal of the Lawsuit and Responsibility
8. The Fate of BN 9912
9. The Traingirl Video and Its Impact
10. 30 Years Since the Tragic Incident

Introduction

Railroad crossing safety is a crucial aspect that everyone, including engineers, workmen, yardmasters, and railfans, must be familiar with. Ensuring safety while operating or filming trains is not only important for those directly involved but also for the general public. Unfortunately, there are instances where the public lacks knowledge of basic safety measures, resulting in accidents and even fatalities. This article discusses the importance of railroad crossing safety and highlights a tragic incident involving Mary T. Wojtyla, commonly known as Traingirl, which serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of ignorance in this regard.

The Importance of Railroad Crossing Safety

Railroad crossing safety is a matter of utmost importance to prevent accidents and save lives. Those who work in the railway industry, as well as railfans, understand the criticality of following safety protocols. However, it is essential to educate the general public about these safety measures to avoid tragic incidents. Ignorance and disregard for established safety rules can lead to fatal consequences. It is essential to promote awareness and emphasize the need for caution around railroad crossings to ensure the well-being of both railway personnel and the public.

Tragic Incidents Related to Railroad Safety

Unfortunately, there have been several tragic incidents that highlight the consequences of negligence and ignorance regarding railroad safety. In 2014, Sarah Jones, while filming a movie, was fatally struck by a CSX train on a bridge. Similarly, in 2017, Stobe the Hobo, a train-hopping YouTuber, was dragged to death by an Amtrak train. These incidents serve as reminders that accidents, resulting in loss of life, can occur due to individuals' own ignorance and failure to adhere to established safety guidelines. Tragically, some of these incidents have been captured on video, offering a stark portrayal of the consequences of poor decision-making near railroads.

The Story of Mary T. Wojtyla

One incident that stands out concerning railroad safety is the tragic story of Mary T. Wojtyla, also known as Traingirl. On August 26, 1991, a seemingly normal day in the Chicago metropolitan area, Metra commuter trains were operating to transport students, commuters, and tourists in and out of Chicago. This particular day held significance for railway enthusiasts, as it marked the final months of Metra running EMD E9s locomotives in their roster. The presence of these vintage locomotives attracted railfans near the Metra commuter line, eager to witness the last of these 1940s to 1950s engines.

The Accident at Fairview Avenue Station

As the day progressed and the afternoon turned into evening, Metra trains carried the first round of people returning home from work. At approximately 5:30 p.m, former Burlington Northern E9 #9912 was transporting commuters from Chicago to Naperville on the racetrack line. The E9 locomotive, originally built for the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad in 1955, had been part of Burlington Northern's fleet since the merger with other railroads. It continued to serve under lease by West Suburban Mass Transit, pulling commuter trains under contract with the RTA.

Meanwhile, at the Fairview Avenue Station in Downers Grove, Illinois, a railfan was filming the E9 locomotives in action as they made stops, allowing passengers to board and disembark. At approximately 5:52 p.m, another Metra train awaited passengers on the platform, ready to provide transportation for those heading home from Chicago. At the same time, Mary T. Wojtyla, accompanied by her lawyer, was walking toward the railroad tracks while engaged in a discussion about her ongoing divorce.

Immediate Aftermath and Lawsuit

At 5:53 p.m, the crossing bells began to ring, and warning lights were activated as #9912 approached the railroad crossing. Despite the gates being down and the audible warning from the locomotive horn, several individuals had already crossed the tracks. Simultaneously, Mary and her lawyer proceeded down Fairview Avenue toward the station, seemingly unaware of the approaching train. One woman in proximity heard the horn and glanced towards the middle track but made the wise decision not to attempt to cross before the train. Mary and her lawyer, however, continued their walk towards the crossing.

At that moment, tragedy struck. Mary was struck by the train, which was traveling at a speed exceeding 60 MPH. The impact hurled her towards the railfan's camcorder, resulting in instantaneous death. Miraculously, her lawyer, who had stopped just before the train made contact, remained unharmed.

The accident led to significant delays, affecting approximately 12,000 to 15,000 commuters on the Burlington Northern line for over an hour. In an effort to reconstruct the incident, the Downers Grove Police ordered the train engineer to reverse the train. This reenactment proved mentally distressing for the engineer, who passed by the lifeless body still on the tracks. As a result, he had to be relieved of his duties.

An obituary for Mary T. Wojtyla was published in the Chicago Tribune on August 29th, three days after the tragic accident. She was laid to rest at Chapel Hill Gardens West in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois. Shortly after her untimely death, a wrongful death lawsuit was filed against Metra by Wojtyla's estate.

Dismissal of the Lawsuit and Responsibility

However, in 1996, the court dismissed the lawsuit, stating that Mary had ignored the bells ringing and gates being down, making her responsible for the tragic accident. The court ruled that the railroad was not liable for her death. This legal outcome further highlighted the importance of adherence to safety protocols and personal responsibility when crossing railroad tracks.

Despite the dismissal of the lawsuit, the impact of the incident resonated within the railway community and beyond, prompting discussions about the need for greater awareness regarding railroad safety.

The Fate of BN 9912

After the accident, BN 9912 continued to operate under the RTA for another year, until it was finally retired from service in July 1992. The locomotive was subsequently stored in a yard in Chicago, exposed to the elements for many years. In the mid-2000s, the Nashville & Eastern Railroad acquired the engine, with plans to utilize it for a proposed commuter service between Nashville and Monterey, Tennessee. However, upon inspection, it was determined that BN 9912 was unsuitable for the intended service, leading to the decision to replace it with an EMD F40PH locomotive.

Today, BN 9912 is located at the Tennessee Central Railway Museum in Nashville, awaiting restoration. However, as of 2021, no progress has been made towards restoring this significant piece of railway history.

The Traingirl Video and Its Impact

The video capturing the tragic incident involving Mary T. Wojtyla was uploaded on YouTube in the late 2000s. Since then, it has garnered Attention and the title "Traingirl" on various internet platforms. The video serves as a haunting reminder of the dangers associated with crossing railroad tracks without adhering to safety measures. In later years, Operation Lifesaver utilized the video as an educational tool, stressing the importance of railroad crossing safety and general train safety.

The impact of the Traingirl video has been significant, serving as a cautionary tale for both railway enthusiasts and the general public. However, due to its graphic nature, the video has been censored and even banned from television broadcasts, highlighting the importance of treating such content responsibly.

30 Years Since the Tragic Incident

As of 2021, it has been three decades since the video capturing Mary T. Wojtyla's tragic accident was filmed. The hope is that this incident, along with the Traingirl video and other awareness campaigns, can prevent similar tragic accidents in the future. It serves as a reminder that adherence to railroad crossing safety measures is crucial for the well-being of individuals and the smooth operation of train services.