The Mystery of the Amtrak Crash

On October 9, 1995, approximately 60 miles southwest of Phoenix, Arizona, an Amtrak passenger train called the "Sunset Limited" derailed while traveling at a speed of 50 mph. Four cars plummeted over 30 feet off a trestle and landed in a dry riverbed. Tragically, one person lost their life, and many others were injured. The investigation into the incident revealed a shocking truth: the derailment was a result of deliberate sabotage.

The question arose: Who removed the 29 spikes?

Bruce Gebhardt, the special agent in charge of the FBI, reported that investigators at the scene discovered tampered rails. He stated, "The investigation determined that 29 spikes were purposely removed. Not only were the spikes removed, but someone had also pushed the rail inward, disconnecting the two rails." This evidence indicated that the saboteurs possessed a considerable understanding of railroad operations. Intriguingly, the signal circuits, which are the electrical wires running through the tracks, remained intact. According to Agent Gebhardt, this meant that the train crew received no warning about the issue with the rails. He added, "The FBI believes that they chose that particular location to cause the most damage, potentially resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. The train was traveling at approximately 50 miles per hour, on a curve, just before a trestle."

A Similar Crash in 1939

Investigators soon discovered striking similarities between this incident and another suspicious train wreck that occurred over half a century earlier. In 1939, in the Nevada desert, 24 people were killed, and 117 were injured in a train crash under suspicious circumstances. Historian Kevin Bunker noted, "The most mysterious connection between the accidents is the fact that the sabotage occurred prior to a bridge in a remote desert location. There was clear premeditation, as the wires remained intact at all times. By simply moving one piece of metal, in this case, a rail by less than four inches, both trains were sent off the curve as they crossed the river, resulting in the devastating damage." Interestingly, the story of the 1939 crash had been published in a train enthusiasts' journal shortly before the Amtrak accident. Federal agents interrogated numerous readers but failed to uncoveragents discovered four copies of a computer-printed letter that vehemently criticized the federal government. The letter was signed by a group calling themselves the "Sons of the Gestapo." However, the existence of this group had never been verified. FBI Agent Bruce Gebhardt stated, "We are still investigating to determine whether this is a deliberate attempt to mislead us or if this group actually exists."

Sadly, among the victims of the crash was Mitchell Bates, a sleeping car attendant. Whoever is responsible for this tragic event will face charges not only for sabotage but also for murder.

The Amtrak crash left investigators puzzled and searching for answers. The deliberate removal of the spikes and the careful manipulation of the rail indicated a sophisticated understanding of railway systems. The similarities to the 1939 train wreck raised even more questions about a possible connection. Was this a calculated act by a group seeking to cause harm? Or was it the work of an individual with an unknown motive?

Over the years, numerous theories and speculations have emerged, but the mystery of the Amtrak crash remains unsolved. Despite extensive investigations by the FBI and other agencies, no concrete evidence has emerged to identify the culprits behind this act of sabotage. The families of the victims and the survivors continue to seek closure, hoping that one day the truth will be revealed.

The Amtrak crash serves as a chilling reminder of the potential dangers of tampering with critical infrastructure and the devastating consequences that such acts can have on innocent lives. As we remember the victims and their families, we can only hope that one day justice will prevail, and those responsible for this heinous act will be held accountable.