Birmingham state herald. (Birmingham, Ala.) 1895-1897, 1896-11-24


count of which appeared in Sundays
State Herald, has already resulted in one
death and it is feared another may be
recorded.
That the fatality was not greater is
providential, as a look at the broken
down structure would cause one to shud-
der and exclaim How did any of them
escape?"
LIST OF FATALITIES.
There were, as previously stated,
twelve people in the wagon, and the dead
and injured are as follows:
William Shannon, skull fractured and
otherwise injured. Died Sunday morning
at 7:15 o'clock.
Miss Maggie Hardigan, injured in the
back and head. 1t is feared she will not
recover.
Miss Eta Jones, seriously injured
about the head and shoulders.
Miss Annie Williams, hip badly bruised
and face cut
Miss Lulu Williams, slightly injured.
Miss Nellie Blackburn, slightly injured.
Charles Barks, ugly scalp wound and
otherwise injured, said to be serious.
c. G. Campbell, face cut, shoulder
sprained and considera bly, bruised.
Ed Blackburn, arm badly sprained and
other injuries. sFa
&. Il. shannon, cut on the n2aQ.
Sam Brown, badly bruised on the head
and legs. 4suR
Eph Bowie, the negro driver, back
badly sprainede
THE FATAL STRUCTURE.
A State Herald reporter visited the
scene of the accident Sunday afternoon
and there met hundreds of others who,
like himself, stood wondered and amazed
at the immense beams lying here and
there and tried to figure out how any of
the unfortunate people came out of the
wreck alive.
The wagon was still standing on the
floor of the bridge, which presented the
appearance of roof inverted. Large
prices of timber, entirely new and heavy
were scattered en- all sides of the vehicle
and one which appeared to be about 12xl2
inches was lying the full length of the
wagon bed on top of 1t. This was the
timber that caused Shannon's death and
but for the fact that Miss Hardigan, who
was by his side, was smaller than him,
she, too, would have been crushed to
death.
A man on horseback whose name could
not be learned, was riding behind the
wagon and when he heard the crash rode
rapidly up and seeing the condition of
the unfortunates, rode hastily back to
Ensley and gave an alarm and soon
number of people were on the scene and
did heroic work in getting the young peo-
pie out of the wreck.
Mr. Will Shannon was placed in wa
gon and taken to DR.. Browns office at
Ensley where. he was given all possible
medical assistance. Shortly after
ward he was removed to the resi-
dence of Mr.. Gus Lee, where he fingered
unconscious until Sunday morning, when
death came and relieved him of his suf-
ferings. 81
THE DECEASED.
Mr.. William shannon was a most ex
emplary young man, barely 21 years old.
He was assistant foreman at the Ensley
furnaces under his father. Mr.. James
Shannon, and was held in high esteem by
his employers and host of friends there
and in this city, He was of a very quiet
disposition, and unusually steady, paying
strict attention always to his duties
LAID TO REST.
Yesterday evening the remains of Mr..
Shannon were taken from the family resi-
dence, 256S Fourth avenue, to Oak Hill,
friends and there laid beside the dust of
his dearly beloved mother.
THE BRIDGE.
The bridge was new, having been fin
ished but few days, and appeared to be
perfectly safe, but many men OF expert
ence, capable of judging of such work.
did not think 1t trustworthy, and had so
expressed themselves previous to its col
lapse. H
The accident was the talk of the city
Sunday and yesterday, and comment was
unfavorable. The State Herald Is not
prepared to lay the blame on anyone,
and awaits a full examination into the
matter, which, it is understood, will be
made by the county commissioners as
soon as possible
WILL INDIGNATE.
The State Herald was informed yester-
day evening that the citizens of Ensley
City will hold an indignation meeting to-
night and take steps looking to a thor
ough investigation of the matter with
view of laying the blame at the right
doorway.