Blizzard Traps Luxury Train Near Donner Pass for Three Days
2025-01-13
In January 1952, a fierce blizzard trapped the luxury passenger train, City of San Francisco, near Donner Pass for three days. 226 passengers endured freezing temperatures, carbon monoxide poisoning, and food shortages. Initially, passengers played cards and sang to pass the time, but conditions worsened as power and heating failed. Passengers resorted to burning furniture for warmth, and carbon monoxide poisoning occurred. The stranded passengers were eventually rescued with the help of the army, highway department, and volunteers. This event highlighted humanity's vulnerability to natural disasters and the over-optimism regarding technology's ability to conquer all.