SOME SUSPECTED SABOTEURS IN WW2 TRAIN BLAST AT GRAND JUNCTION

On June 27, 1943, railroad cars carrying World War Two munitions caught fire and exploded at Grand Junction, Colorado - showering part of the western end of the city with shells, shrapnel and debris.

The International News Service initially reported authorities "sought clues linking a possible saboteur ring." More likely though, an overheated axle "hot box" caused the catastrophe, according to some reports. Or perhaps oil placed too close to a railroad yard furnace, according to other reports.

Several people were injured, including Grand Junction Fire Chief Charles Downing, who was standing at a warehouse when an exploding shell shattered his arm. The chief walked about two blocks for help. Surgeons amputated his arm, the Associated Press said.

Another man, railroad worker Robert Walraven, escaped with a broken jaw, according to his December 2009 obituary.

An AP dispatch described close calls and commotion, including this anecdote: "Betty Lee Barber, awakened by the barrage of exploding shells as fire destroyed two box cars of munitions here early today, joined her parents on the front porch of their home to watch the blaze.

"A few minutes later a shell fragment whistled overhead, crashed through the roof of the Barber home and landed on Miss Barber’s bed, scorching the pillow," AP reported.

[Photo: Private Collection]