Funicular Inclines have operated for over 100 years in the united states 3 of the most outstanding right here in Western Pa. with one of the safest records for operation of a public transit conveyance in the world but this was not the case for the St Clair Incline which operated on Pittsburgh's South Side which had several notable incidents
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Clair_Incline
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| incline running behind water pumping station |
Built in 1886-88 and operating till 1933 it traveled from 22nd and Joseph St up to Salisbury St. across from the old Fort Laughlin Playground which once served as a redoubt during the civil war.
with 2 tracks which where laid on the ground and where more of a cable way ,which got higher and in a parabolic arc as you got towards the top it carries both passengers and freight.
It was among one of 17 inclines built around same era as a way for Steel Mill and Glass Workers to get to their homes up on the slopes instead of having to walk up and down the steep hill .
But one day one of the cars went plunging into the 22nd street station after the Engineer operating the
controls passed out due to a medical condition and fell on the controls.
at 3:30 am on the morning of April 6, 1909 and 3 young men where aboard a 17 year old survived having jumped off early but a 16 and 17 yr old died horrifically. after trying to jump.
The cars apparently did not have a emergency safety centrifugal brake like other inclines and elevators which senses the car exceeding seed and send out a set of spikes to slow the car.
https://www.otis.com/en/us/tools-resources/high-rise-safety-systems/
But this would not be the only time this incline saw tragedy
On July 22, 1915 a young 19 moth old child was crushed when trying to follow his 2 sisters after they crossed over the tracks instead of walking around correctly
Then on March 10,1919 A young girl lost her life while leaning on a gate of one of the cars and it gave way and she fell to her death.
3 fatality on 1 incline and none as far as i can find with all the other inclines in the area.
Which makes one wonder was it cursed . That area where it ran was inhabited by native Americans so who knows if angry spirits could be involved.
