Sex, Drugs and Violence: The Stories Behind 10 Brooklyn Streetnames
This Flatbush boulevard was re-named after the Empire State Building following 1918’s Brighton Beach Line train accident. The most devastating event in New York City’s public transit history, more than 100 people were killed and 250 others injured. Train conductor, Edward Luciano, had only received two hours of motorman training when 60 hours was typically required. The accident occurred at a curve that was supposed to be taken at six miles per hour. Though he later claimed he did, Luciano didn’t slow down from his 30 mph speed, completely derailing the train and destroying the second and third cars. He escaped the accident with no injuries and the manslaughter charges against him were dropped. He went into real estate and disappeared from the record.