Torre Annunziata railway accident
In the railway accident in Torre Annunziata on December 30, 1939, an express train ran into a military train in the station of Torre Annunziata . At least 29 people died.
Starting position
It was very cold. The slower military transport was waiting in the Torre Annunziata station to let the Calabria Express overtake. That failed because the points were frozen and could not be adjusted. The dispatcher then decided to allow the military train to drive up to clear the track for the following traffic. The military train was secured to the rear by a signal showing "Halt" .
the accident
The engine driver of the express train overlooked the signal showing "Halt", drove into the station and collided with the end of the military train, which was just starting.
consequences
At least 29 people died. But it could also have been a lot more. "Unofficial information" name 40 dead.