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Gualliguaica Rail Accident
The Gualliguaica rail accident happened on March 11, 1971, near Vicuña, Chile, when a runaway train packed with children derailed next to a ravine killing twelve. It was caused by failure to keep brakes applied during station stops. Accident The train was transporting schoolchildren on a day trip from La Serena, Chile, La Serena to Vicuña to visit the Gabriela Mistral museum. The journey to Vicuna had proceeded without incident. After lunch the diesel locomotive ran around the train for the return trip as the children took their places in the five-car train. The train crew were in the stationmaster's office, finalising details of the return trip when the train started to move off. Those aboard the train thought nothing was amiss but there was no-one manning the locomotive. When the rail staff realised what was happening they unsuccessfully attempted to board the train in motion but being on a slope it quickly accelerated away from the station. Eight miles down the line at Cues ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Vicuña, Chile
Vicuña () is a Chilean commune and city in Elqui Province, Coquimbo Region, founded during the government of Bernardo O'Higgins to secure sovereignty over the Elqui Valley. Poet Gabriela Mistral was born there in 1889. It shares borders to the west with the communes of La Higuera, La Serena and Andacollo, to the east with Argentina and to the south with Paihuano and Rio Hurtado. The commune is administered by the municipality of Vicuña, which is the principal city of the Valle de Elqui. History Vicuña was founded on February 22, 1821, by Colonel Joaquín Vicuña Larraín, who was the first intendant of Coquimbo Province, by order of Bernardo O'Higgins. He named it ''Villa de San Isidro de Vicuña''. In 1872, its name was shortened to Vicuña, in honor of its founder. Topography The Vicuña commune covers an area of , making it the largest commune in both the province and the Coquimbo Region, and the second-largest commune in the country. Vicuña occupies the major part of ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |