At 2:10 AM on February 5, 1887, the last car of The Montreal Express derailed, causing three cars to fall from the bridge and crash on the ice of the White River 43 feet below. Embers from the coal stoves ignited spilled oil from the lanterns, and fire consumed the wreckage. Twenty-five passengers and 5 crew members perished. As a direct result of the wreck, oil lanterns and coal stoves were abolished on railroad trains, and electric lights and steam heat were adopted.

Photo: PaulwC3

Hartford, Vermont · USA