North Carolina’s Deadliest Train Crash: 80 Years Later
By Michael Maynor
December 16, 2023, marks the 80th anniversary of the Rennert railroad accident, a tragic event that occurred in Rennert, North Carolina a small town in Robeson County on December 16, 1943. This devastating incident, which remains the deadliest train crash in North Carolina’s history, claimed the lives of 74 individuals when the northbound Tamiami Champion collided with the derailed rear three cars of its southbound counterpart.
The southbound train, comprising 18 cars hauled by EMD E6 diesel-electric units, departed Fayetteville 20.5 miles north of Rennert at 12:25 am, running over an hour late at a speed of 85 mph when the rear three cars derailed and became separated from the rest of the train. Although they remained upright, the rear two cars, a dining car and a Pullman sleeping car, fouled the northbound track. This led to a series of events that culminated in a collision with the northbound train, resulting in a devastating loss of lives, particularly among the servicemen traveling home for the holidays.
The Rennert railroad accident was set in motion by the initial derailment, which occurred when a rail broke beneath the train, causing the rear three cars to separate from the rest of the train. This unforeseen event initiated a series of circumstances that ultimately led to the tragic collision with the northbound Tamiami Champion. Moreover, the subsequent collision could have been prevented if the crew had followed operating rules that mandated a thorough inspection of the train within 40 minutes after the initial derailment. Adequate train protection involving ‘torpedoes’—coin-sized devices placed on the top of the rail to emit a loud warning signal to train drivers—would have averted the disastrous collision. These torpedoes, usually secured with two lead straps, explode with a loud bang when the train’s wheel passes over them.
In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of this tragic event, we wanted to shine the spotlight on author Kammeron Polverar and her debut novel ‘From the Fires Scattered There.’
Kammeron Polverari’s connection to the Carolinas runs deep. Born and raised in both Carolinas, and despite having lived in several far-flung places, she continues to return home to Fairmont, North Carolina. ‘From the Fires Scattered There’ is her debut novel, inspired by a frantic call from a family member who had heard about the tragic story of the train wreck and had a nightmare about it. This haunting experience sparked Kammeron’s intrigue and extensive research, ultimately giving birth to her compelling manuscript.
‘From the Fires Scattered There’ takes readers back to the morning of December 16, 1943, when two trains collided in rural southeastern North Carolina, leaving behind a scene of terror and chaos that would never be erased from the memories of those who witnessed it. Through the eyes of the characters in the book, including a soldier returning home for Christmas and a bride fearful of spending her life with the man she regretfully married, Polverari shares the true story of the Tamiami Champion train wreck and its profound impact on the lives of those involved.
As we reflect on the 80th anniversary of the Rennert railroad accident, ‘From the Fires Scattered There’ serves as a poignant reminder of the human stories behind this tragic event and the enduring impact it had on the community. It stands as a testament to the resilience and strength of those who lived through this harrowing experience, ensuring that the memory of the lives lost will never be forgotten.
Michael Maynor
I am a proud native of North Carolina with a deep love for the sporting lifestyle and everything Southern. My book collection seems to grow endlessly, and I have a particular fondness for collecting vintage duck decoys. Despite appearing content, my heart longs to return to Africa for another safari adventure. John 3:16
