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Two Killed, Many Injured

About 12:30 Tuesday afternoon Burlington train No. 151 left the track four miles east of Curtis and fell down a twenty five foot embankment, killing two and injuring about 30. Three passenger coaches and a baggage coach were completely destroyed by fire and the mail car smashed beyond repair.

When news of the accident was flashed over the wire, doctors, nurses and many others rushed to the scene on special trains, motor cars and autos. Heroic action was necessary to save the imprisoned passengers from destruction by fire.

The injured were immediately rushed to Curtis in autos where doctors and nurses gave them needed attention. Many substained broken bones while others are suffering internal injuries.

The dead are: Mrs. Nettie Howe and her eight year old son, of Eustis.

Some of the injured are:
   Mrs. J. H. Fitch, Dickens.
   Mr. and Mrs. Hannibal Phillips, Haxton, Colo.
   J. H. Phillips, Somerset.
   I. R. Cross, Farnam.
   Conductor Griffith, Holdrege.
   Brakeman Beal, Holdrege.
   R. M. Stark, Holdrege.
   J. H. Blakeney, a navy lad, from the Great Lakes Training Station was on the wrecked train, and, although he substained back injuries himself, is said to have done great work in aiding his more unfortunate companions by smashing in the sides of the cars and literally dragging the victims to safety.

The cause of the wreck is said to be a spreading rail.

A special train conveying many of the injured passed through Farnam Wednesday evening enroute to Hastings where they were placed in a hospital.

The Farnam Echo 15(11):1, Thursday, 21 February 1918

 



Published: 3/28/2024 - http://www.historicfarnam.us
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