Last Thursday afternoon the freight train going east collided, two miles and a half east of Corinth, with the train going west. The trains were at full speed and owing to a curve in the road were each concealed from the other until too close together to materially check their speed. Both trains were said to be on a down grade and came together with a fearful shock; the rear cars crushing in upon those in front, which were shivered to pieces. Nine men were killed and burned up in the wreck, which caught fire from the engines. The following are all the names of the deceased we have learned. William HORAEY, Samuel ROBINSON, William TUCKER, conductor SLATEN was caught between two cars, and exhibited most extraordinary heroism and self possession. He was so firmly held by the timbers of the cards that he could not be extricated by the passengers, and while in this situation, suffering from injuries which afterwards proved fatal, with the fire steadily approaching, gave directions to flag an expected train, and instructed those about him how to uncouple the cars and pull them off with the approaching engine. At the time of the collision, he had received a $100 bill for which he had not given the passenger the change, and for whom he inquired and returned the bill. He died last night.
Mr. MCALISTER, the agent at this place, made every effort in his power to extend relief to the sufferers, but he had no spare engine, and could not accomplish much. He, however, did all that could be done with the means at his command.
From our information, we are not prepared to say, who is to blame for this terrible catastrophe. The passenger train was behind time, and dispatched the conductor of the freight at this place, that he would be here at 5 o’clock, but did not arrive. The conductor of the freight waited the required length of time, and claimed the road according to rule, with the result as above stated. (Corinth News, 1st)
The Bolivar bulletin. (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.), 08 Dec. 1866, Page 1. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.
