Rensselaer Republican, Volume 22, Number 6, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 October 1889 — FRIGHTFUL ACCIDENT. [ARTICLE]

FRIGHTFUL ACCIDENT.

Forty Lives Lost by the Explosion of a: Boiler on a Miaslss ppi River Boat. The steamboat Coronah exploded her boilers at False River, nearly opposite Port Hudson, at 11:45 Thursday morning, causing the loss of the steamer and about forty lives, mostly employes of the boat, The Anchor-line steamer City of St. Louis, Captain James O’Neal, was near by, and with his crew and boat saved many lives. The surviving passengers were taken on board by Captain O’Neal, and very kindly cared for by him and his crew. The boat had a moderate cargo. She was in mid stream, just below the landing at Arbroth, and had just whistled to pass the City of St. Louis, fortunately coming down at the time. The explosion had a downward tendency, and blew out the bottom of the boat, causing her to sink immediately. The cabin was torn in two, the rear portion floating down stream and bearing a number of the saved. Captain Sweeney happened to be forward and started at once to put out the flames, which began to burn at several places. He says the boat would undoubtedly have burned had she gone down immediately. None of the books, papers or other valuables were saved. The City of St. Louis, which was about 500 yards above, at once put Out her boats, and she did noble work in saving lives. The Anchor liner stayed there several hours rendering all tbe assistance possible, and taking on board the rescued passengers and crew. When nothing more could be done, she came on down to Baton Rouge, where physicians were summoned and everything possible done for the injured.