Hubbell, KS Train Wreck, Jun 1884

Work Of Train Wreckers.

Passenger Train Thrown Into The River And Many People Injured.

Atchison, Kan., June 19. – As an eastbound passenger train over the Burlington and Missouri River Road approached Hubbell yesterday the rails spread about 60 feet from the approach to a bridge 150 feet long. The engine left the track, but crossed the bridge on the ties. The jolting weakened the bridge and caused it to fall, carrying down with it the entire train. The engine, smoking car, day coach, and sleeper are an entire wreck. There were about 30 persons injured. A special train brought nine of the wounded to this city.

The following is a list of the injured: W. H. MCNAUGHTON, express messenger, concussion of the brain; he will die. Florilla SOPER, of Gardner, Kan., contusions; may die. W. H. Bailey, Whitfield, N.H., ear cut off, head much cut. A. JACOBS, Virginia City, Ill., internal injuries. P. H. LYMAN, conductor, both legs broken. M. A. WADLEIGH, Stevens Point, Wis., head and arms hurt. F. B. WARD, Connersville, Ind., back injured. E. L. STORY, Chicago, conductor of the Pullman car, hip and back hurt. William C. COOK, age 89, Bloomington, Ill., hurt in the head and breast, and will die. A number of other passengers received painful cuts and bruises. An examination indicates that train-wreckers had drawn out the spikes, removed the fish-plates, and fastened barbed wire in the holes, and had pulled the rails apart when the train approached.

The New York Times, New York, NY 20 Jun 1884

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Transcribed by Lori Hedges. Thank you, Lori!