Evening Republican, Volume 20, Number 271, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 November 1916 — WATER TANK AT DEPOT COLLAPSED [ARTICLE]

WATER TANK AT DEPOT COLLAPSED

63,W0 Gallons of Water Spread Over Ground When Weakened Tank Suddenly Give Way. The large frame water tank that was located just west of the Monordepot gave way at about 1:30 this Saturday morning and the 63,000 gal--Ij:.. of water it contained rushed with great force over the surrounding ground. The cream truck which occupied the short track at right angles to, the railroad, was shot across the platform and the railroad track, holes 6 inches deep were plowed in the macadam and parts of the metal frame work of the tank were twisted. The cone-like top of the tank fell straight toward the earth and landed on the bottom of the tank. The tank held about 250 tons of water and the weight was too much for the 3-inch wooden tank, especially after two of the iron hoops had rusted through. The accident occurred only*about 8 minutes before the 1:30 train from Chicago arrived. Had it occurred when the train was at the depot more serious results might have ensued. The collapse was attended by considerable noise and Night Operator Dan Morrissey, who was alone in the depot, thought that a train had run into the end of the station. He at once made an investigation and found it necessary to flag the incoming passenger train until the truck could be removed from the track. The tank was erected only about five years ago. Ordinarily the .life, of one of these tanks is seven or eight years, and the plank that composed thetank seemed -quite -firm,r but the rusted hoops were responsible for the wreck. The tank was kept filled with water from the city plant and its supply w. s used in filling the engines. Water taken here must now be procured by connecting a hose with a hydrant. J *’ „