Ghost Children of San Antonio
Nothing could stop the train barreling towards the school bus trapped on the tracks. The driver's eyes stayed glued on the three thousand-ton freight train making its presence known the closer it came into sight. Rumbling was felt throughout the bus as the train kept getting closer. Each second felt like an eternity for the fourteen children frozen in fear. Screams were muffled by the overbearing sound of the train horn warning the school bus and its passengers collision was imminent.
Over and over the driver continued to turn his key in the ignition. Sweat beaded on his forehead while he prayed to every God he knew.
Two children survived the crash. They were found huddled together under a seat behind the driver. Ten years after the accident one of the survivors took their life on the tracks. Survivors guilt was too much for them to bear.
The other child continued to search for answers until their death. It didn't make sense for the bus to come to a complete stop as though it was attracted to the tracks. All signs pointed to a reason beyond reasoning. Otherworldly.
Now, legend has it if you park your car on the tracks, the dead children will come to your rescue and push your car off the tracks. They offer the help they never received. Place baby powder on the trunk of your car to see their tiny handprints left behind. Don't try this after dark. It has been said the teen who took their life haunts the area. Aimlessly pacing back and forth over the tracks looking to take with them all that pass to the other side. Somewhere beyond the veil between life and death. Their guilt has cursed them to remain on the tracks until they collect fourteen souls. One for every other passenger on the train that died that day.
San Antonio, Famous for ghosts
Anyone familiar with San Antonio will probably tell others it is the most haunted city in Texas. I agree. Years ago, when I went there for a mini vacation, there were flyers for ghost tours everywhere in that city. The Alamo is one of the more popular tourist attractions for visitors and paranormal investigators.
A ten-mile mission trail will take you through five Spanish colonial missions established in San Antonio back in the 18th century. From first-hand experience, I can tell you these missions are unbelievable. Today they still stand tall and well preserved considering their age. Haunted? More than likely.
Ghost Children of San Antonio
Local legend in San Antonio is the famous ghost track known for its proof of paranormal activity. Located on the south side of Villamain and Shane roads.
The legend is a school bus full of children was hit by a train because the bus was stalled on the tracks. The dead children supposedly push any vehicle out of harm's way if they are near the tracks, especially on the tracks.
You are supposed to put baby powder on your trunk and put your car in neutral at the top of the hill leading towards the tracks. From there, the dead children push your vehicle down the road and up the side of the tracks onto the other side.
Afterward, you inspect your trunk for tiny handprints left behind from the heroic maneuver of children. Dead children.
Debunked
Archivist for the San Antonio Library, Matt De Waelsch, reported for the Express-News in 2003 how this urban legend is untrue.Matt reported the bus crash actually happened in Salt Lake City in 2003.
Also, the hill is steep enough for vehicles to gain enough speed to roll over the hill without help from dead children.
Speaking of children, I don't believe schoolchildren could push a vehicle over train track regardless of alive or dead.
In their defense
The tracks look spooky. I could see how residents would make up an urban legend surrounding the area to scare children. How the story reached San Antonio from Salt Lake City is a mystery to me.
Is that now urban legends spread though? Every city seems to have similar stories with a few minor details changed to fit the narrative or location.
The lady in white crosses state lines and oceans. It could also be one large game of telephone. Someone heard of Utah's ghost children and decided it would fit better in their little hole in the wall part of the world.
To me, it doesn't matter if it was debunked. It's still a fun urban legend that did happen. Not there, but still happened. I hope Salt Lake City keeps this legend alive as much as San Antonio does. The debunking has not stopped residents from scaring children with the story. Which is what we should always do. That's what makes all these stories fun. We grow up with them and eventually learn they're fake. Tooth fairy, for example, will never go away. Neither will these dead children. I should stop harping on dead children. Getting weird.
Pairs well with
Margaritas. Last year I was enjoying Tex-Mex with my girlfriend sitting next to the Riverwalk. If you are in the city, it is a must you walk the Riverwalk. Frozen margarita in hand.
Has your local legend been debunked?
Leave a comment and tell me about your city's legend. Whether it's true or not. I still want to hear about it. That's how these stories get around and stay alive.
Comments
Post a Comment