A historic salt tram tower, over a century old, was toppled in Death Valley after a selfish driver used it as an anchor to pull their vehicle out of deep mud. The damage occurred sometime between April 1 and April 24, with the driver driving off legal roads before getting stuck. Video footage shows the aftermath, with the tower submerged in mud and tire tracks indicating the vehicle’s path.
The dashcam video taken by another driver shows a woman approaching for help after her pick-up truck got stuck in the mud. She admits to going too far into the mud and damaging the historic tower. The woman asks for assistance in latching onto something to pull their truck out of the mud. A stranger eventually helps them use a winch, disconnecting it from the toppled tower.
While the driver and the mud-covered individuals managed to get the truck out of the mud, they did not report the damaged tower to the National Parks Service. The agency has since seen the video and is asking for the public’s help in identifying those responsible for the damage. The NPS had plans to restore the tower through a stabilization project funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, but it is uncertain if those funds can now be used for re-anchoring the tower.
The Saline Valley Salt Tram, part of the National Register of Historic Places, was built in 1911 to transport salt from Saline Valley over the Inyo Mountains into Owens Valley. The tram is considered nationally significant due to its age, length, steepness, preservation, and scenic setting. The damage caused by the selfish driver has raised concerns about the feasibility of the restoration plans, and officials are hoping to recover damages.
The Death Valley National Park Superintendent, Mike Reynolds, expressed disappointment over the damage to the historic tower and urged the responsible party to come forward to discuss restitution. The incident has highlighted the importance of preserving and protecting historic sites like the Saline Valley Salt Tram for future generations. The NPS is working to determine the best course of action to repair the damage caused by the thoughtless actions of a single individual.
