Angola train bridge in need of repair

ANGOLA, N.Y. (WIVB) - A colossal train bridge, which crosses over Big Sister Creek in Angola, is in need of repair.

Specifically, the exterior is crumbling and falling into the creek where people fish.

Village officials say the bridge's owner, CSX Transportation, is aware of it.

"CSX assures us that structurally it's very sound. It's asthetics that we're concerned about. But the asthetics can hurt someone also," said John Wilson, Angola Trustee.

The area around the bridge and creek is no stranger to tragedy.

One of the worst rail disasters in American history happened right here. The year was 1867.

"It occured down in this general area, and we would like to avoid that should this happen again, you know," Wilson said.

As the Lake Shore Express passed through Angola on a cold December day, a rear passenger car tipped off the track, and tumbled down into the creek gorge, pulling a second car with it.

"The cars were bouncing up and down. It hit one of the pins that hold down the tracks, made the cars rock back and forth, and then they went off," said Angola Mayor, Howard "Hub" Frawley.

Nearly 50 people died. Many more suffered bad burns and injuries.

Today, a marker memorializes the tragedy known as the "Angola Horror."

Oil tycoon John D. Rockefeller was supposed to be on that train, riding in the last car. But he arrived to the station late, and took the next train out of Cleveland. But his trip to New York City was held up in Angola because of the wreck. That's when the 28 year old Rockefeller sent a telegraph to his wife.

"For some unknown reason he missed his train that day. He made the telegraph here in the Village of Angola," said Frawley.

The telegraph, dated December 18, 1867, simply states, "Thank God I'm unharmed. The six-forty train I missed had bad accident."

Now, over 140 years later, the site of the great train disaster seems to be calling out for help, in the form of a deteriorating bridge.

John Wilson is hoping that CSX will follow through with repairs.

"I'm told now that there's funding available. That there's an engineering firm working on it. And this summer it will be addressed," Wilson said.