Plunged to Death!
An Awful Accident to a Railway Train on the Union Colliery Line
Six Men Reported to Have Met Instant Death– the Wires Down
The startling news was received in this city about noon to-day that a terrible catastrophe had occurred on the Union Colliery railway line early this morning, whereby at least six people had lost their lives.
The news spread like wildfire, and the greatest interest prevailed throughout the day. The Times at once set the telegraph wires in operation to ascertain the full particulars of the accident, but owing to the fact that the wires are grounded only the most meagre particulars could be obtained.
The E.&N. Railway officials also were on the que vive of excitement, but were unable to obtain any further particulars than those gleaned by the press.
As far as can be learned, the accident took place when the regular work train, with a passenger coach attached, was on her run down early this morning. The trestle is about 80 feet high, and the train plunged through the structure. Six people at least have been killed, but the names are, of course, unknown.
A special train left the E.&N. station about 3 o’clock, having on board James Dunsmuir, Superintendent of the E.&N., Jos. Hunter, engineers of the road and other officials. A gang has been placed at work in restoring the line, and it is probable that communication will soon be restored.
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The trestle upon which the accident happened spans Trent River, about midway between Union wharf and Union. It was from 125 to 130 feet high, and 400 or 500 feet long. The bridge was built about 10 years ago, and, although considered reasonably safe for light locomotives, was, it is said, altogether unequal to sustaining the weight of an 88-ton engine and tender.
–This ‘Archival Moment’ is from the Victoria Daily Times. August 17, 1898.
You can still see the wreckage of that bridge collapse to this very day if you take a hike in along the old rail line just off of the Royston/Cumberland road.
Hi: I’ve been meaning to check it out for years! I’ve also been walking the E&N mainline, from Victoria to Courtenay. Down to about 20 miles total at both ends. When I do get to walking the Courtenay stretch, I’ll make a detour at Royston. Thanks for the reminder. –TWP
Engineer Alfred Edward Walker was my great grandfather.He told his wife and daughter Mary (later Mary Maxwell, wife of Cumberland Mayor Alex Maxwell, and my Granny) that the bridge was inadequate for the new locomotive, and he often set the Johnson bar (throttle) at an idle, and walked across ahead of the engine. He forecast his own death.
Thank you, Mr.Graham! I have a particular interest in this story and, this coming summer, I intend to fulfill a years-long goal to visit the site as part of researching it for an in-depth feature story. Perhaps even an e-book.
I shall get back to you after I finish clearing up a three-month-long backlog of ‘undones’ while finishing my latest book, Cowichan Goes to War, 1914-1918.’ Again, thank you for responding. –TWP
I have never been down to the wreck…my son has mind you and he says there are still remains of the old wreck to be found. One day I will have to walk in myself.