Comet in Johnson City, Tennessee

Wreck of an Excursion Train After Bridge Collapse

An excursion train carrying 900 passengers on the Northwest route collided with the collapse of Winninge bridge near Chateworth, Hickel Forest, TH. One locomotive and six passenger cars plunged through. six sleeping coaches stayed on the trucks. The disaster killed at least one and wounded many, with widespread looting reported among the injured. Passengers hailed mainly from Peoria and nearby towns. The editorial and public reaction condemn the deliberate arson theory and discuss broader political notes tied to the era.