Memorial service marks 50th anniversary of deadly Illinois Central train crash
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Fifty years later, it's the anniversary of an unthinkable commute -- the catastrophic train crash just south of McCormick Place that left dozens of people killed and hundreds hurt.
On Sunday survivors and their loved ones came together to remember the tragic day.
Possibly the most emotional part of the service was not remembering those sudden goodbyes, losing loved ones 50 years ago, but the introductions, meeting people for the first time, all connected by this life altering event.
Many of the people at Sunday's event were either on the train that day or knew those who were. Sunday they all sat next to each other inside the first Unitarian Church of Chicago.
"I didnt know any of these people, but I had it in my heart for these people," said Joseph Preacely.
His dad was a porter for Illinois Central.
"See my dad know everyone. I used to feel because he was such a humble, outspoken person he would greet everyone with a smile and just keep moving."
Preacely lost his father, Leroy, on Oct. 30, 1972.
That morning one Illinois Central train overshot the 27th Street station and reversed. The train behind it was not able to stop in time. It collided with the train in front of it.
"I walk past the news stand and I see the newspaper man, and he says, 'I'm sorry, Joe. Your daddy's dead,'" Preacely said.
Forty-five people died and 350 were injured.
Many there Sunday remembered just how vital Michael Reese Hospital was. It is now closed, but that day it was less than 100 yards away from the accident. First responders came in an instant.
It was a life altering day for so many, including Gwendolyn Ann Brinson Maybin.
"To see people who passed, and I wonder why not me because I was sitting in the front car at the old train. I wish I would've known at that point that life is short you don't know and you should take each day that's what it is which is a present," she said.
She was in the front car -- moved 10 seats back because her neighbor was smoking a cigar at the time, and she didn't like the smell. Had she stayed she might not have changed career paths and learned this lesson.
"It just made me see my vulnerability," she said. "Because when you're 21, you think you're going to be here forever."
Now closer than ever, those who were there share their burden of grief and stories of survival, so no one could ever forget.