Swept to Death

“My conscience is clear. It was no fault of mine for I did all that I should have done. The lights were on and the gates were locked.”

So said bridge tender Thomas Dodson, four days after the terrible accident in November 1916 that saw an overloaded “motor stage” plunge into the Fraser River. Nine of the 13 on board drowned.

Dodson obviously was anxious lest blame be pointed his way. 

The conclusion to this sad story of early day B.C. automotive history in next week’s BC Chronicles. 

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PHOTO:  The grim headline of Vancouver’s Daily News Advertiser. —Newspapers.com