Plunged to Death!

An Awful Accident to a Railway Train on the Union Colliery Line
Six Men Reported to Have Met Instant Death– the Wires Down

Such were the headlines of the Victoria Daily Times, Aug. 17 1898:

“The startling news was received in this city about noon to-day that a terrible catastrophe had occurred on the Union Colliery railway line early this morning, whereby at least six people had lost their lives.

The news spread like wildfire, and the greatest interest prevailed throughout the day. The Times at once set the telegraph wires in operation to ascertain the full particulars of the accident, but owing to the fact that the wires are grounded only the most meagre particulars could be obtained...”

Well, the telegraph wires aren’t grounded now, and you can read the full story of one of Vancouver Island’s next the coming issue of the BC Chronicles.

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PHOTO: The impact from plunging eight stories shows graphically in this photo of the Trent River train wreck. —BC Archives