The scenery changed dramatically and quickly, for a local woman as she was enjoying a fall excursion ride on the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad. The Cheat Mountain Salamander excursion is an 88 – mile journey that climbs in excess of 4,000 feet as it travels along the Cheat River and passes through an 1,800 foot tunnel.
The train was crossing US250 just south of the Cheat Mountain Bridge when a loaded log truck, traveling north, failed to stop at the crossing and slammed into the train, striking two passenger cars, completely upsetting one and tipping another at an 45 degree angle.
Parsons resident, Sylvia Rosenau, was a passenger in the car that upset. “Just as I turned my head from the river, I saw the truck coming and I knew it was going to hit.” Rosenau said. “The next thing I knew I was sitting on the window of the train because the car had tipped over. Blood was coming out of both my legs.” stated Rosenau. The impact threw her over and her legs were apparently cut on the metal on the seat across from her. Rosenau said “My mouth hit the back of the seat and I have lacerations inside my mouth on the lip.”
Rosenau was transported by ambulance to the Davis Memorial Hospital in Elkins where her legs were sutured and she was treated and released.
This was Rosenau’s second train ride, she had gone on a short ride to Philippi several years ago. “I was enjoying my trip immensely.” Rosenau said.