06 Jan 1904
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 13 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Topeka State Journal
Location
Topeka, Kansas, United States of America
Date
Jan 06, 1904
Page
1
A deadly collision on the Rock Island line near Willard leaves twenty dead and many injured. Emergency crews battle flames and chaos as passengers are rescued from derailed cars amid wreckage and billowing smoke. Investigators begin examining the scene for causes and accountability.
A smoker in a crowded day coach causes a forced exit leading to a west bound passenger striking an east bound freight car. The incident disrupts service and prompts on scene investigation by authorities. No injuries or fatalities are detailed in the readable text.
A head on collision between a freight and El Paso passenger train near Willard, Kansas killed at least 20 and injured many more. Rescuers used axes to pry apart wreckage while a crippled physician and a young doctor aided the wounded. Fire and stock cars were wrecked. the collision occurred on a curve as trains traveling at high speed could not stop in time. James H. Clay and Dr Bell are among the heroes, and the dead include several identified passengers. the inquest will determine fault.
Willard station agent J Hadsat reported that westbound Passenger train No 3 was to wait for an eastbound freight. He heard the engine’s approach and, assuming the freight would pass, believed the passenger train would stop and back into the switch. The freight on the siding may have been mistaken for the ahead passenger train leading to the mishap.
An uninjured Pullman passenger known as Sit Bell of New York directed rescue efforts after a wreck. Though a paraplegic from spinal injury and not a practicing physician, he studied medicine three years and wore an iron heel. Miss Ava and Miss Mary Mann of Smithville Blaimed aided as nurses, with two Sisters aiding as well under his guidance, while Ireland-based helpers did the same.
Walter J. Adams, a Kansas City agent from the New York Life building, recalls a deadly train wreck near Colby Kansas en route with seven companions. Three were injured, including C A Preth and G A Jones, while four escaped uninjured. Adams says the crash ripped the second coach open and people cried for help as the front end burned. He helped free passengers, found his brother BE Adams among the trapped, and notes his own insurance as a possible reason for surviving.
A Topeka wreck scene reveals miscommunication between Stack Island authorities and Rock Island officials causing a nearly forty five minute hold on body removal. Coroner Hogeboom had ordered DeMoes and Penwell to handle all bodies, but wagons arrived unused as transport plans clashed. J Barclay improvised removal with ambulances and a small express car, while others were moved by DeMores and Penwell.
Dr Munn reports most patients will recover after the wreck as of noon. All but three injured were taken to Stormont hospital with one to Santa Fe. a colored porter returned home. Extra nurses aided Stormont as surgeons dressed wounds and the four German children, crying for parents, sheltered in the hospital after their mother and baby were killed.
From Chillicothe Missouri two young women about 25 are identified by baggage checks and a socket book found in wreckage. Tickets bearing the names Grace Reed Leoni Reed and Susan Reed list passage from Chillicothe to Tyrone Oklahoma. Identifications hinge on these names matching items found on two of the unidentified bodies.
G. W. Sherman of McFarland Kansas suffered a sprained wrist and minor head wounds after an incident and was released for home. G. W. Tolman of Harlan, Indiana remained in Santa Fe hospital with back and head injuries, condition not believed serious.
General Superintendent Gruber and Division Superintendent Jones are at the wreck scene near Willard. No statements will be made until Gruber or Jonas return. Unclear who is responsive. only known: an accident occurred.
Fragmentary report recalls a Haitian centenary event and revolutionary fervor that failed against a presidium movement. It mentions port and general officials, with ambiguous references to executions and numerous reported arrests or detentions.
The State Journal issued an extra edition this morning at 9:45 covering Harvey Parsons story of the Rock Island wreck with three columns. A second edition followed at 12, then another at noon, with weather notes indicating fair weather in Kansas for tonight and Thursday, warmer tonight, brisk southwest winds in Chicago.
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