The bridge was used until 1530 hours as rolling stock was gathered into the yard for destruction at which time the order to destroy the bridge was given. North Korean rail crews assisted in shuttling the railroad cars from the yard to the bridge. When they realized that the rolling stock was to be destroyed, they hesitated and had to be prodded to do the job. The engineering troops, on the other hand, eagerly looked forward to the anticipated destruction.

At 1545, the southern most span was blown and approximately 10 cars and several engines were pushed into the gap until it was full. Some cars were loaded with POL and the engines had steam up. As they were pushed into the defile the wreckage caught fire. Darkness fell as the first section of the cribbing was reached and several carloads of POL, and an engine were pushed on top of it. When the cribbing was ignited, in moments flames generating intense heat enveloped the cribbing, cars, and engine on top. To our great surprise the entire engine soon turned cherry red and its whistle started blowing.

Whenever my thoughts turn to the Korean War, the memory of the little cherry red engine that could still blow its whistle comes to mind.