The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1902-03-02
THE SHOAL CREEK WRECK.
Some Incidents of the Terrible Ac-
cidenf.

cident.
Griffin, Ca, March 1.-The train
that went through Shoal creek Friday
night left Atlanta that afternoon at
4:25 on schedule time, but is said to
have had three mishaps before reach
ing Fayetteville When that point was
reached Engineer Matthews tele-
graphed the officials in Atlanta giving
them an account of the terrible con-
dition of the roadbed, the great danger
to passengers and crew in proceeding
further. and begging to be allowed TO
discontinue the journey to Columbus
His warning went unheeded by the Of
ficials in Atlanta and the brave but
cautious engineer was ordered to pro-
coed TO Williamson. Before going fif-
teen miles that which he feared hap
pened.
The engineer was not the only one
who feared the perils of that trip, for
passengers and crew alike realized
that any moment they might meet
with sudden death. The little news
butch" became so badly frightened
that as the train pulled out of Fay
etteville he leaped off, leaving his
wares aboard.
The accident was caused by the
heavy rainfall swelling the small creek
until it was a raging torrent, carry
ing everything before it. The water
had undermined the support of
the trestle and with the weight of
the train it gave way, precipitating
the engine, baggage car and second
class coach into the water forty feet
below.
The engine fell in the middle of the
creek and sank from sight. The bag
gage car fell partly in the creek, but
one end caught on timbers and for
some time it wa51above water but
slowly settled, and it's occupants were
drowned. Their cries for help were
plainly heard by parties in the other
coaches who were powerless to render
aid. The second-class coach was only
partially submerged and its occupants
broke through the windows and sought
safety by climbing on the roof, where
they emained for about six hours suf-
fering from their injuries and expos
ure.
When the temporary bridge was
built to the car and the men were re-
leased from their perilous position,
Mr.. Clifton Jones was almost overcome
from exposure, while Conductor Ken
dali was suffering greatly.
The firSt-claSS coach remained on
the trestle, but had it gone a few feet
further before responding to the air
breaks which were automatic
ally applied when the engine
plunged into the creek, the loss of life
would have been appalling. AS it was
the passengers were badly shaken up
and bruised. but all We're thankful to
escape with their lives.
Mr.. j. W. Billiard of Griffin, one of
the passengers, secured a lantern and
returned some distance up the track
to flag down a wrecking train, which
was following. and thus prevented an
other accident. AS soon as possible
the wounded were carried to Woolsey,
where they were given medical atten-
ton.
The body of the colored fireman is
said to have been found about forty
yards below the wreck, lodged against
a tree. and was not rescued for some
time after being seen. After the water
subsidized somewhat and the baggage
car was exposed to view. an opening
was made through the roof and consid-
cradle baggage and mail was taken out.
At 1880 the body of Baggage Master
Hill was brought to the surface by
man who was fishing out mail pouches
with pronged pole. 1t was carried
to the bank and later in the afternoon,
brought to Griffin and prepared for
burial, and will leave tonight over the
Central for Columbus where the in
terment will take place.
The other bodies have not been re-
covered. 1t is more than probable
that Engineer Matthews was caught
beneath his engine, and his lifeless ana
mangled body lies deep in the mud and
water of Shoal creek.
About IS feet of trestle was swept
awa% and it is no doubt will be sew
eral days before trains are again run
ming over 1t.