Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-02-28
SIX KILLED IN WRECK
Southern Train Plunges
Down an Embankment
NEAR L0UD0N, TENN.
ONLY ONE NAME oBTAINABLE AS
YET.
Engineer Bibb Stuck to His Post
Narrow Escape Of Two
Other Trains.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn, February 2S.-The
fast passenger train from Chattanooga to
Salisbury on the Southern railway, leaving
Chattanooga at n:45 o'clock last night,
was wrecked about three and one-half
miles west Of Lenoir City, Tenn. about 2
o'clock this morning. The wreck was
caused by the spreading of the rails. Six
deaths are reported 30 far. and a number
are injured. The dead are:
John H. Bibb, engineer; fireman, baggage
master, mail clerk, negro porter and one
lady passenger travelling from Texas to
Morristown Tenn, who was accompanied
by two children.
With the exception of the engineer, the
names Of the dead are not yet known here.
Plunged Down Steep Embankment.
The wreck occurred on the top Of a steep
embankment and the train plunged down
this. The locomotive went within thirty
feet Of the Tennessee river. Four Of the
coaches were telescoped and partially piled
upon the engine. Three coaches were burn
ed outright. The Cincinnati Southern train
from Chattanooga to Cincinnati was trav-
cling behind the ill-fated train, it having
to come by way of Knoxville on account
Of damage to tracks Of the Cincinnati
Southern between Chattanooga and Harrt-
man. last night. This train was awaiting
orders at Loudon, when 1t was advised OF
the wreck. The engine of the Cincinnati
Southern train ran up to the scene Of the
wreck and by pulling two Of the rear Sleep
ers back on the track and away from the
wreckage succeeded in saving them from
destruction by fire. The wrecking train,
with physicians and railroad officials, len
this city Immediately after the wreck was
reported, and the track may be cleared by
noon today.
Caused by Landslides.
It is stated that the wreck was caused by
two landslides.
In the first, 1t is thought, big boulder
came down the side of a bluff and fell upon
the track. This landslide spread the track,
and when the locomotive struck the boulder
it was thrown from the track and down
the embankment. Several coaches followed
The scene OF the wreck is between Loudon
and Lenoir City, Tenn. where the railroad
parallels the Tennessee river for a consid-
cradle distance. The construction Of the
road at this point was very difficult engi-
neering, and 1t is the most unfortunate
place for wreck.
Just before Engineer Bibb died a physi-
clan endeavored to have him drink q little
whiskey, In the hope Of extending his life
as long as possible. The engineer refused
1t, saying: II have never touched it yet.
and don't expect to begin to drink 1t now"
Continuing, he said: II am going to die, so
go and look after the women and children
in the coaches"
He expired few minutes later.
Narrow Escape Of Florida Limited.
The Chicago and Florida limited Of the
Cincinnati Southern road, one Of the finest
trains in the country running from Jackson
Vile to Chicago. was but short time ahead
Of the wrecked train. The Chicago flyer,
which left Chattanooga ahead of Bibb's
train, was compelled to run to Hartman
by way Of Knoxville instead of over its own
line for the reason stated above. Had this
train been wrecked the loss Of life might
have been very much greater, as 1t always
carries long list of passengers and runs
on a very fast schedule.