McCammon, ID Train Wreck, Oct 1901

Fatal wreck on short line.

Engine Went Down an Embankment and Engineer and Fireman Met Death.

The Oregon Short Line west bound fast mail, No. 1, was wrecked four miles east of McCammon Tuesday afternoon, and Engineer EDWARD PURTELL and Fireman PAUL SPIDELL, both of Pocatello, were instantly killed.

The engine climbed the rail on a curve that had been filled in with dirt by the track forces, and went down the embankment twenty feet, taking the mail, baggage and buffet cars with it. It is believed that PURTELL and his fireman jumped and were buried under the wreckage.

Two mail clerks and the express messenger were slightly bruised, but were able to take part in the work of transferring. No passengers were injured, as the remainder of the equipment stayed on the track.

American Eagle Murray Utah 1901-10-26
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Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!