Shelburne Falls, MA Train Wreck, Jan 1907

ENGINE DERAILED ON TRESTLE

Narrow Escape From Bad Wreck on Boston and Maine Road Near Shelburne Falls.

A narrow escape from a serious accident occurred Wednesday evening on the bridge across the Deerfield river at Shelburne junction, near Shelburne Falls. The engine drawing the express train from Boston for the west, known as the Consolidated Limited, leaving Greenfield at 4 o'clock, was running about an hour and a half late Wednesday afternoon. When the train was within a quarter of a mile of the bridge a flange of one of the wheels under the boiler broke.

The engine kept the rails until it reached the bridge, which is a long trestle work, probably 23 or 30 feet high, when it left the rails. The guard rail held it, however, from going into the river. Both tracks were blocked and the wrecking train was sent out from Greenfield. After one track was cleared another engine was sent for and the express train started on for the west, reaching Shelburne Falls about 9:30. The express train for the west out of Greenfield at about 8 o'clock was delayed by the accident. No one was hurt but it was a very narrow escape.

Springfield Daily Republican, Springfield, MA 25 Jan 1907
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Transcribed by Linda Horton. Thank you, Linda!