| From the Vicksburg Whig |
| |
| February 18, 1863 |
| |
| Fatal Rail Road Accident |
| An accident occurred on the Southern {(of
Mississippi)} Rail Road on Monday night resulting in the death
of Arthur C. Orr -- of Vicksburg, and the injuring of the Engineer,
Two Firemen, W. Hennese -- Baggage Master and A. McCarty -- of
Jackson, on the Passenger train. The rain which has been falling here
since Saturday evening, washed away the foundation of a culvert about
a Mile and a Half from Vicksburg, on Monday evening, and as the Night
Train which came along about Two O'clock, being behind time, was
passing over it, the whole structure settled down, precipitating the
Engine, Tender and Baggage Car into the chasm. The Passenger cars were
stopped by the Mail Car which was held in check by being caught on the
end of the Engine, thus saving the lives of the Passengers. Mr. Orr
jumped off the Baggage Car and sunk to his abdomen in the muck. He was
unable to extricate himself, and in a short time, was smothered to
death by the steam and hot water from the Engine. |
| The engineer and two firemen were pretty
severely scalded, but are not regarded as dangerous. The Pioneer express
messenger is missing, and it is supposed he was buried in the mud. The
body of Mr. Orr was brought to this city yesterday for interment. He was
agent for the Pioneer express company in this city, and a very promising
young man -- loved and esteemed by all who knew him. It will be some
days before the trains can pass over the culvert again. In the meantime,
we suppose, a temporary crossing sill be constructed for passengers and
trains will run to each side of the abyss. |
| {The original report in the
Whig is illegible after the first paragraph. The second paragraph is
from the Memphis Appeal of February 23, 1863} |
|