On the evening of June 13, 1955, just before 9:00 p.m., the California Zephyr derailed near Sulphur, Nevada at milepost 476. A rainstorm hit the area a short time before, causing the ballast to wash out under the track as the train passed over. Remarkably, the locomotives at the head-end, and the Vista Dome observation car at the tail-end remained on the rails.

There were no major injuries, and only a few minor injuries.

These photos were taken the next day, June 14, while the passengers and crew waited for the relief train to come from Salt Lake City. We are very grateful to William Herman for sharing these wonderful photos. He and his parents were passengers aboard this ill-fated #18.

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Photo Facing West Forward end of baggage car Silver Bear. Locomotives already removed.			Photo Facing East Behind Silver Bear, Vista Dome Silver Lariat. Locomotives are still present ahead of the baggage car.			Photo Facing West Nearest to farthest: Vista Domes Silver Palace and Silver Stirrup. Silver Chalet can be seen in the distance.
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Photo Facing East Nearest to farthest: Silver Stirrup, Silver Palace and Silver Lariat			Photo Facing West Vista Dome Lounge-Dormitory Silver Chalet, drawbar gone, listing considerably 20 feet from the track grade.			Photo Facing West Nearest to farthest: Dining Car Silver Platter, 6-5 sleeper Silver Crane and 10-6 sleeper Silver Bay. Rear of train visible in the distance.
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Photo Facing East Nearest to farthest: 16-section sleeper Silver Maple, 10-6 sleeper Silver Cliff and rear of Silver Bay. Vista Domes toward the head end can be seen in the distance.			Photo Facing East Families and crew waiting for relief train. Dining car cook standing with ladle, serving either water or coffee.