Car-Train Crash In Olney Kills 2 Teen-Agers

A red 1965 Mustang automobile and an eastbound Baltimore and Ohio freight train collided about 1:45 p.m. Thursday afternoon, December 1, 1966 at the B & O railroad crossing on Whittle Ave in Olney. Three persons were rushed to Richland Memorial Hospital.

Gary “Steve” Scranton, 18, driver of the Mustang was dead on arrival at the hospital from injuries sustained in the crash, and 17 year-old Nancy Golly died about 4 p.m. at the hospital. Another passenger, Sharon Kapper, 17 was reported in satisfactory condition in the hospital late Thursday.

From skid marks at the scene, it appeared that the vehicle was proceeding south and the train was an eastbound freight train.  The impact demolished the automobile. The three teens were reportedly on their way to a factory where they have been participating in a general education program. Witnesses said the car pulled onto the tracks and was struck by the train.

The Decatur Herald (Decatur, IL) – Friday, December 2, 1966

Gary "Steve" Scranton, a senior at East Richland High School and a member of the Immanuel United Brethren Church in Olney, was born Dec. 7, 1947, son of Basil Scranton Jr. and Mary Bailey.

He passed away December 1, 1966 as a result of a car/train accident at the B&O Railroad tracks on Whittle Avenue in Olney.

He is survived by his father Basil Scranton Jr.; his mother, Mary Bailey Walker; step-father, Charles Walker; a brother and a sister, Monte and Lisa, both at home; and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Riley C. Bailey of Olney and Mr. and Mrs. Basil Scranton Sr. of Parkersburg.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL)