TRAIN WRECK: If you have been following the historical train wreck in our column this week, this appeared on Page 1 of the Monday, Sept. 13, 1920, Bradford Era (And yes, it had that many headlines):
Freight Trains in Head-On Crash at Kendall Avenue
——
Early Flyer is Stopped Just in Time to Prevent Appalling Disaster
——
Halted by Flagman after Pulling Out
——
Heavy Trains on B. R. & P. Come Together Near Kendall Avenue crossing Throwing Wreckage in Path of Fast Train North—Heavy Damage is Done to Rolling Stock and Freight but No One is Seriously Hurt—Engineer Runs Past Signals
——
“The biggest railroad wreck which has occurred in the immediate vicinity of Bradford in many years took place early yesterday morning when two freight trains met in a head-on collision at East Bradford. Through the most remarkable good fortune no one was seriously injured. The property damage is estimated as well in excess of $20,000.
“An appalling loss of life was narrowly averted, as train No. 2, the northbound flyer leaving Bradford at 5:05 had already left the local station when the collision took place. The flyer was halted by a flagman just in time. The wreck occurred on the southbound track but much of the wreckage was hurled onto the northbound track over which train 2 was due to pass. If the crash had come a couple of minutes later, the passenger train, in all probability, would also have been derailed.
Precautions Taken.
“The events leading up to the wreck, as recounted to The Era by B. R. & P. officials, were as follows: Shortly after 5 o’clock a northbound freight train, drawn by locomotive No. 729, was backed over on the southbound track to permit train 2 to pass on the northbound track. A flagman was sent down the southbound track to halt another freight train, hauled by engine No. 716. Explosive caps also were placed on the rails, and a red fusee was lighted.
“Railroad officials say, however, that Engineer Locke of No. 716, ran by all these warnings. He was still running at about 20 miles an hour when he met No. 729 head-on. Fortunately both crews had time to jump. None were injured except for a brakeman and fireman., on No. 716, who suffered minor bruises.
“Both engines were of the Mallett type, large, powerful and heavy. The terrific crash, when they met, could be heard in the central part of Bradford. Engine No. 716 literally climbed on top of No. 729 before before coming to a halt.”
The article went on to talk about the 11 cars that were derailed, the first responders on scene and the cleanup. There was no photo for us to compare to the submitted one.
