In the worst train wreck in Georgia history, train No. 7 left the depot in darkness and rain en route from Macon to Atlanta after three weeks of relentless rain had swollen Camp Creek and weakened the trestle's massive stone and masonry support. As lightning flashed and thunder shook the landscape, Engineer J.T. Sullivan tried in vain to stop the train from plunging into Camp Creek, and 39 passengers and crew perished near this site. Aid was rendered by Flagman J.J. Quinlan, Porter T.C. Carter, and numerous citizens of McDonough. Among those who survived were Clara Alden, J.C. Flynn, E.T. Mack, Mamie B. Merritt, Walter Pope, Jesse Rohr, E. Schriever, Handy Tomlinson, J.J. Quinlan, and T.C. Carter.