Ludlow Falls was a siding point on the Big Four (nee- P&E) line between Indianapolis and Springfield, Ohio. The line was operated under timetable / train order / no block rules (dark territory). Average traffic was 1 round-trip passenger and 2 RT's through freight plus an occasional extra.
On this date, the train dispatcher put out orders for eastbound #94 to meet westbound #97 at Ludlow Falls. Since eastward trains were superior by direction and because the grade for westward trains was fairly steep, the dispatcher had the order provide for #94 to take siding for the meet.
#97 received the correctly worded order, but the order received by #94 did not contain the information for that train to take siding for the meet. This resulted in an overlap of authority on the main track between the siding switches, and that is where the head-on collision occurred. There was 1 fatality, 2 injuries, 2 locomotives and tenders derailed along with 12 cars. The track at that point was in the middle of a curve which severely limited the sight distance for the crews.
On this date, the train dispatcher put out orders for eastbound #94 to meet westbound #97 at Ludlow Falls. Since eastward trains were superior by direction and because the grade for westward trains was fairly steep, the dispatcher had the order provide for #94 to take siding for the meet.
#97 received the correctly worded order, but the order received by #94 did not contain the information for that train to take siding for the meet. This resulted in an overlap of authority on the main track between the siding switches, and that is where the head-on collision occurred. There was 1 fatality, 2 injuries, 2 locomotives and tenders derailed along with 12 cars. The track at that point was in the middle of a curve which severely limited the sight distance for the crews.