In October 2011, a heartbreaking incident unfolded in Utah’s Spanish Fork Canyon, where three teenage girls lost their lives in a tragic accident involving two trains. Essa Ricker and Kelsea Webster, both 15, along with Kelsea’s 13-year-old sister, Savannah Webster, were struck while taking photos on the railroad tracks near the Covered Bridge Canyon area.
The girls were reportedly aware of an approaching westbound train and positioned themselves to capture a selfie as it passed. However, they failed to notice an eastbound Union Pacific train coming from the opposite direction. The noise from the first train likely masked the sound of the second, leaving them unaware of the imminent danger.
Essa and Kelsea died instantly at the scene. Savannah was critically injured and transported to Primary Children’s Medical Center, where she underwent surgery. Despite medical efforts, she succumbed to her injuries three days later.
This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers associated with railroad tracks. Authorities and community members emphasize the importance of staying off train tracks and being vigilant around them. The Union Pacific Railroad has since used this tragedy to educate the public on rail safety, hoping to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The loss of these young lives underscores the need for awareness and caution around train tracks, reminding us all of the potential consequences of momentary lapses in judgment.
