Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-11-25

The unusual quiet of Thanksgiving day
was marred by 8 terrible accident which
occurred on the Central Railroad, near the
Charleston junction, and about two and a
half miles from the city, about $50 yester-
day afternoon, which resulted 10 the killing
of six persons, as far as known, and the
serious injury Of several others.
From all we could gather, the particulars
OF this terrible tragedy seem to be about
es follows: The pusher engine ''Pcnnsyl-
vania," with one freight car attached, was
backing down to the Savannah, Florida and
Western Railway yard for the purpose OF
making ND freight train, which was to 60
out on schedule time. As she approached
the junction the Central Railroad locomo-
tive "Vulcan," which was drawing lumber
train from up the road, passed by. The
two engines, both running backwards, came
in collision, their tenders striking first and
telescoping. The Vulcan" was almost
entirely ruined, and the Pennsylvania"
was driven into the Green Line
freight car which she was hauling with such
force that she wss fairly lifted from her
drivers and her whole weight was thrown
upon her tTusks Robert Meldrim, engi-
neer. and Bvrd Wade, fireman. of the ''Vul-
esn." and julius Cummings, engineer. and
John Brannsn, fireman, OF the 'Pennsylva-
MA" ATTEMPTED tn save themselves by
jumping. Wade had bis skull crushed IN
and his left arm and leg bsdlv mangled by
The fvinQ timber, while - hluncken. the
woOd-passer Of the "VulcaD," was instantly
killed. A white man named Taylor,
hand on the lumber train, was
also badly hurt. Five negroes
whose names we nave SIS vet been unable 10
sscertsin, aud who were sitting on the car
% the lumber train next t. the engine when
he collision occurred. we're also killed Ou'-
right, one of the bodies being afterverds
found in the fire box OF the 'tVulcaRr" Four
others were badly Injured, and were az
once started to the s. Joseph's Inirmsrv.
IN this city but one died before reaching
his destination. The others sTrived there,
and were promptly sffOried all the assist
sBce possible. The body Of Mr.. k'uneken
has not been recovered.
The scene at the wreck beggars descrip-
Hon. The track was torn up for some DIS
-snce, the lumber was scattered IN every
direction. the two engines were hopelessly
shattered, while, to add to the general
horror, mangled human remains were lying
about in CHASTITY confusion. We learn that
OletelY deeapitsted, that his trunk was
found lying apart from his head, and that,
in other cases, limbs were literally torn from
he bodies Of the victims of this most de-
OlOrable occurrence.
Colonel Rogers and other officials Of the
Central ROad repaired Immediately to the
wreck to render what assistance It was pos
sible to bestOw upon the wounded, and 10
have the track cleared for the passage Of
rains as som as possible. It is believed
nat the debriS will be removed so that trains
nay be able TO leave at an early hour this
morning. The engine "Oyle' hOrpe," OF the
gravel train, which was up the road, was, at
last accounts. ENGAGED 10 pulling the engines
and trains apart. and doing what she could
TO remove the distractions.
At this time It is impossible TO tell where
he fault for this sad catastrophe lies All
that Is known row Is that the lumber train
Ess on schedule time, and had been tagged
" the regular passenger train, which pre-
ceied 1t. The engineer Of the "PenDsyEa-
MA" however, il is thought, failed to notice
he flag, and supposing that the way was
pen, started off a. mis- regular time TO the
-ailrosd yard 70 attend To his duties there.
The entire affair will be fully and thoroughly
Investigated.