Columbia, SC train wreck, Nov 1870

Fearful Accident in South Carolina - A Train Breaks Through a Trestle Bridge - Four Passengers Killed and Three Fatally Injured.

COLUMBIA, S. C., Nov. 11, 1870.

A terrible accident occurred on the Greenville and Columbia Railroad yesterday, about twelve miles above Columbia. The passenger train due here at quarter to four P. M. from Greenville fell through the trestlework. The baggage and passenger cars were precipitated to the ground, a distance of fully twenty-five feet. One passenger car remained on the track, being supported by the wreck.

A relief train was despatched [sic] to the scene of the disaster immediately on the receipt of the news, and returned to this city with the dead and wounded at twelve o'clock last night.

Mrs. Philip Fogarty, who was returning with her family to her home in Charleston, was killed; also Charles Jay, of Newberry, S. C.; Grace Montague, colored stewardess, and Minerva Parr, colored. The following persons were fatally injured: - Stephen Smith, of Newberry; Hatson Lomox, colored State Senator from Abbeville, and ex-Confederate Colonel James Hagood.

Stephen Smith, conductor; Isaacs, express messenger; C. A. Barnes, Miss M. Joy, of Newberry, Major L. Hill and a number of others were seriously and painfully injured.

The accident was caused by the breaking of a wheel. A portion of the train was thrown from the track while passing over the trestle. The trestle gave way, and the mail car, second class and two other passenger cars crashed through to the ground. The engine, tender and last passenger car were left on the track.

The New York Herald, New York, NY 12 Nov 1870
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Transcribed by Tim Taugher. Thanks, Tim!