Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1873-01-16
The Accident on the Buffalo G. Cory
Railroad.

ERIE, Pa, December 25.
The immediate cause Of the accident at
Prospect Station was broken flange on
the tender-wheel. About sixty rods west
of the station is trestle work some
thirty feet high over which the locomo-
tive and tender of the Eastern bound
express passed in safety, but the baggage
and passenger cars (only two coaches be-
ing in the train) were thrown from the
trestle, fell thirty feet, and struck top
downward. The weight of the trucks
crushed in the cars, closing up
the windows, and to render the
situation even more terrible, the
passenger coach was partially tilted
upon its side so that, for the occupants of
that side, there were absolutely no means
of escape. Almost Immediately the cars
took fire, the passenger coach burning at
both ends. Some half dozen persons
waiting at the station were soon at the
scene of the accident, but they worked at
an immense disadvantage. No water
could be had. and the snow that was
scraped up had little effect in staying the
flames.
Only two axes were available, and the
woodwork Of the cars was bolted together
so firmly and intricately that but little
Roadway could be made with them All
the time these efforts were being put
forth, the flames were steadily gaining
and the shrieks Of the imprisoned vic
Tins as the scorching heat enveloped
them, was appalling to the stoutest heart.
Now and then rope was put through q
crevice, fastened to form, and the suf-
ferer pulled out by main strength Some
times it would be lifeless body, and the
charred arms, legs or head would drop off
fI,oc ",
| stances the head was thus separated from
the trunk, and in as many more cases,
the body was bereft of its limbs. The
body of lady was thus rescued from the
| flames, the head and one arm swapping
off like piece of charcoal, while the
other arm was untouched, a dainty kid
glove covering the hand, and the fingers
wearing their jeweled ornaments. The
| body will doubtless be recognized with
the aid of the rings. But for these, it
would have been impossible to identify it.
The bodies of three other ladies were
taken out, neither of which, it is believed,
can be recognized by friends. In all, it
! is estimated that fully ten of the nineteen
forms moved from the burning car are
unrecognizable. 1t is supposed that in
addition to the bodies recovered a num-
Der Of others were consumed in the burn
| ing cars, and that nothing but their black
ened bones will be discovered when the
! fire is extinguished and the ashes raked
over. Adding these to the number of in
Jured that will die, it is estimated that the
total number Of lives lost will not fall
short of thirty, the whole number of per-
sons in the two cars at the time Of the &C
cident being about forty-five. Frank Tay-
| lor, OF Cory, was leaning against some
object, and seeing an acquaintance pass
| ing, called him by name. The friend
turned round, and saw Taylor, apparent
~ uninjured, but suddenly he said, ''Tell
my wife" and fell over dead He must
have died from some internal injury. But
the inmates of the burning cars were
shrieking for aid, and Mr. Taylor's friend
did not see him again until his corpse