Jasper County Democrat, Volume 7, Number 25, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 September 1904 — WRECKERS DERAIL DIAMOND SPECIAL [ARTICLE]

WRECKERS DERAIL DIAMOND SPECIAL

Fast Train Tnroxvn from Track and Fireman Rilled-No Passengers Hurt. •c , Chicago. Sept. 22.—The Diamond special through passenger train on the Illinois Central road was derailed by train wreckers at the Barclay Coal and Mining company’s mines, fifteen miles north of Springfield, at 3:35 o'clock in the morning, while running forty-five miles an hour. Fireman George Concannon of I locator was killed. Engineer Walter Hayes of Clinton was badly injured. His leg was broken, and it is thought he was internally hurt. All the coaches but the rear sleeper left the track. None of tlie passengers was seriously hurt.i although many were slightly injured and badly shaken up. A switch at Barclay was found thrown and the switch lamp gone. The sidetrack led under overhanging chutes from the coal mines. If is believed the engine struck one of these obstructions and jumped tile track. Tin* motive of the men. who evidently had planned to wreck the train and commit wholesale murder, has not been fathomed.