| From the Columbus (Ga.) Times |
| |
| September 24, 1864 |
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| A Terrible Smash Up on the South-Western
Railroad |
| We learn from passengers who
came through yesterday afternoon that a disastrous railroad accident
occurred to the freight train which left Macon for this city yesterday
morning, in which ten or twelve cars run off the track and four were
completely wrecked. The accident occurred three miles this side of Fort
Valley on the Southwestern Railroad at 11 o'clock, and was caused, we
understand, by an expansion of the track. The train consisted of sixteen
cars and all were thrown off but the engine and four forward cars. The
train was loaded with government freight, principally tobacco, and
contained a large number of passengers, mostly exchanged prisoners,
including about fifty ladies. In the accident eight persons were
instantly killed, seven soldiers and one negro, and thirty-two or three
seriously wounded -- some thought to be mortally. Many had legs and arms
broken. No ladies, we learn, were injured except two slightly bruised.
The telegraph wires were knocked down by the concussion for two or three
miles, but were up and working through to Macon last night. The engine
and cars left on the track ran through to Butler, making connection
there with the Muscogee train. All the passengers which could get on
were also brought through, but many were left, and we understand that an
extra train was to leave this city for them last night. |
| In these days of worn out
railroads and excessive travel and transportation too much care cannot
be taken by officers in control of trains to prevent if possible such
painful occurrences. We have not been able to learn the names of any of
the killed and wounded. |
|