Scofield, UT Coal Train Wreck, Apr 1910

COAL TRAIN JUMPS TRACKS

Engineer Scalded to Death and Conductor Burried Under Wreck -- Fireman Jumps From Train.

Utah -- Seven loaded coal cars and the engine and tender of an extra freight train on the Scofield branch of the D. & R. G. left the track between Scoffield and Clear Creek at mile post 18, Wednesday evening, killing the engineer and conductor and injuring the fireman.

The body of Conductor, Johnson, which was buried under the wreckage, had not been found at 11 o'clock next morning.

The train was backing down from Clear Creek mines with thirty car loads of coal and had reached a point where there is a heavy grade and a rather sharp curve. The cars made the greater part of the curve, but the tender of the engine left the track, pulling the engine with it. The engine ran along the track for several feet before overturning.

As the engine overturned Engineer Hooper was caught in the escaping steam and hot water and was scalded to death in a few seconds. Fireman Harris jumped and escaped with injuries to his head, breast and leg. It is not believed that any of his injuries are fatal.

Engineer Hooper was 25 years old last June. He had been a brakeman on the D. & R. G. for about four year and was only recently promoted to the post of engineer on the branch line. He was not married and lived [in] Rio, a small settlement between Scofield and Clear Creek.

Conductor Johnson was 26 years old and has been employed by the company for sometime. He and two sisters lived at Scofield. His mother resides at 1923 State Street, Salt Salt Lake City.

One theory as to the cause of the wreck is that the engineer had allowed his train to attain too great a speed for such a curve. So far as can be learned the flanges on both tender wheel and rails are in good shape.

Carbon County Utah 1910-04-15
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Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!