Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 174, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 July 1915 — HUNDREDS DROWN IN CHICAGO RIVER [ARTICLE]

HUNDREDS DROWN IN CHICAGO RIVER

Steamer Eastland and Picnickers ■ Capsized x The lake steamer Eastland, carrying 2,500 passangers, tipped over in the Chicago River, between, the La? Salle and Clark street docks,“today. Hundreds were trapped in the hold of the steamer. Hundreds more were thrown into the water. Scores clung to the wrecked hull.

The accident happened at 7:40 p. m. By 8 o’clock they began bringing the dead to shore, placing them on the floors of the dock warehouse.

By 8:30 a. m. 50 bodies had been recovered from the hold of the ship.

It was estimated at this time that the roll of dead might run anywhere from 200 to 1,000.

It was reported that the Eastland was overcrowded. A few minutes before sailing time government inspectors boarded her and ordered scores of passengers back on shore. The first explanation of the accident, not official, was that too many of the passengers crowded to the port rail and actually unbalanced the ship.

The boat was crowded with employes of the Western Electric Company, bound for a picnic at Michigan city. They had crowded the boat early in the day. The Eastland was just swinging out into midstream and starting for the lake. Suddenly, without warning, it careened toward the north side of the river. So quickly did it turn that many remained in their seats until they were flung into the water. Scores managed to leap over the rail. Calls for help immediately crammed telephone wires. Police ambulances, Are department, apparatus, tugs, launches, rowboats and life preservers took pant in the rescue. The river was thick with bobbing heads of passengers. The first rescuers reported that there must be at least 500 passengers trapped between decks. Many of these had retired to staterooms.

Fqll particulars of this horrible accident have not been learned as yet, but it js certain that a great many of the pleasure seekers lost their lives.