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Dry Forks Bridge, MT Train Carrying Dynamite Explodes, Apr 1898

Posted November 3rd, 2007 by Stu Beitler

BLOWN TO ATOMS.

A MONTANA TRAIN IS WRECKED BY DYNAMITE.

By Associated Press to The Tribune.
Great Falls, Mont., April 8 -- The worst wreck that ever happened in Montana happened on the Montana Central last night. The dead are:
L. OPPENHEIM, engineer.
CHARLES W. COCKRELL, fireman.
A. J. MARTIN, head brakeman.
West-bound freight No. 35 arrived at the Dry Forks bridge, sixty miles from here, at 6:30, and proceeded to cross. The train was composed of sixteen loads, one a car of dynamite, and five empties. When within twenty-five feet of the bridge, the dynamite exploded, wrecking the bridge and tearing ten cars to kindling wood. A hole was torn in the earth fifty by twenty-five feet and five feet deep. Telegraph poles and wires were blown out and communication from Great Falls shut off until to-day. The bodies of two of the trainmen were hurled from the wreck, which immediately caught fire and was consumed. It is supposed that the car containing the powder was derailed on the bridge, and the jolting caused it to explode.

Oakland Tribune California 1898-04-08
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Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!

Charles W. Cockrell

On August 6th, 2009 Patty Ryker (not verified) says:

Charles W. Cockrell, known to the people that ran the train, as 'Burt' was my grandfather's uncle. He had left the family home in Colorado, last known there in 1895. No one knew as to where he was or even alive until telegram was sent to his father, Peter Moffit Cockrell in Pagosa Springs, Colorado after Charles' death. If anyone has any record of his travels or if he had a family I would greatly appreciate any information. The newspaper clipping, which is more detailed, I got from the Montana Historical Society in Great Falls stated that they thought he was a single man.
Thank you for this article, I do so appreciate it.
Patty

you are welcome

On August 15th, 2009 Stu Beitler says:

you are most welcome. thank you.
Stu

__________________

Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!

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