On this day. . .1905-The most tragic and one of the most trying days in Harrisburg history began to unfold at 1:38 a.m. this date. At a place called Lochiel, just north of Cedar(Elliot) Street on the busy four track Pennsylvania Railroad mainline(present location would be at or near the Jackson Manufacturing-TruTempor plant near Cameron and Elliot Streets) train No. 19, the Cleveland-Cincinnati Express, running several minutes late slammed into a derailed eastbound freight. The passenger engine made initial contact with a wooden boxcar laden with 50,000 lbs of blasting powder setting off a violent explosion and setting fire to the wooden Pullman sleeping and freight cars. The blast also blew out all the windows and electric lights at the Central Iron and Steel Company and Paxtang Electric Company plants and all homes for quite an area. Twenty-three persons were officially listed as dead, with only eighteen being identified. One hundred twenty-five persons were injured. News accounts of the accident relate very little to the Harrisburg Fire Department operations at the scene. What little could be gleaned discloses that on their initial arrival those members, particularly those of the Paxton Engine No. 6 and the Susquehanna Engine No. 9 did heroic work in rescuing trapped victims and recovering the dead. All hose lays had to be affected from Cameron Street hydrant locations and any one line required over 2,000 feet from hydrant to scene. Several Steelton Fire Department companies also assisted and did commendable work although they were not officially called. The overall loss was estimated in excess of $200,000. Box 16 at Cameron and Magnolia was struck at 1:50 a.m. however five minutes before that at 1:45 a.m. Box 7 at 13th and Market was pulled for a fire at 8-10-12-14 S. 16th St. This fire was believed started when vibration from the explosion of the railroad wreck at Lochiel broke a glass jug containing gasoline in the cellar at No. 10. Vapors came in contact with the hot coals of the hot water heater and exploded wreathing the cellar in flames. This was followed by several minor explosions and the fire spread rapidly upward through the partitions and to both sides to Nos. 8 and 12. Heavy damage suffered at 8-10-12. Loss in excess of $5,000. Companies assigned to the fire were in service two hours. Further details of this fire are lacking, it being completely overshadowed by the events of the wreck. The general alarm(2-2-2) for Box 7 was struck at 1:50 the same time Box 16 was coming in for the wreck. The 2-2-2 signal struck first on the firehouse gongs followed immediately by 1-6. Due to this occurrence, the Paxton Engine No. 6, Goodwill Engine No. 7, Susquehanna Engine No. 9 and the Reily Hose No. 10 answered Box 16. The Hope Engine No. 2 was rerouted to Box 16 while enroute to Box 7. There was no general alarm signals sounded for Box 16. At no time was the entire Harrisburg Fire Department of 11 companies at the wreck scene. Those units that were, did in excess of five hours service. This is the worst recorded mass loss of life in the city and Central Pennsylvania history.
Posted on: Sun, 11 May 2014 11:36:24 +0000