Jasper County Democrat, Volume 9, Number 46, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 February 1907 — WHO WAS TO BLAME? [ARTICLE]

WHO WAS TO BLAME?

Engineer Tripp, of the ill-fated Big Four train wrecked at Fowler a few weeks ago in which a score of lives were lost and the entire train consumed by dames, has so far recovered from his injuries as to give regarding the wreck, which, if true, places the blame on the night operator at Fowler, R. E. Thomas, who has insisted that he displayed the red light and tried in every way possible to stop the train before it crashed into the freight. Tripp says that he whistled for the station and shut off steam and came in under control, told his fireman to watch the semaphore. Outcalt said “we’ve got it alright.” To make sure Tripp told him to look again, and again he said they had a green light. Still not satisfied Tripp pushed his head and body out of the cab until he could get a good view and with his own eyes saw the green light.

He said he also saw the switch light. As they passed the depot he said the fireman pulled ont his watch and stooped over towards the firebox that he might see and said “We’re four minutes late, if you hit her up we’ll go into Templeton on time,” Tripp then threw on the steam and the next thing he knew a headlight jumped up in front of them. Before he had time to move the crash came and he remembered nothing more. In answer to questions he said he was in full possession of his faculties when he went through Fowler and was positive the light was green. He said he was not lost and that he had never slept while on the road running an engine.