GREENWOOD TRAIN WRECK 1903

GREENWOOD, DELAWARE

DECEMBER 2, 1903

NAPHTHA EXPOLOSION ON RAILROAD.

An explosion of a naphtha tank car in the center of a freight train on the Delaware

division of the Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington railroad caused the death of

two, injury of a number of persons and the wrecking of several buildings and several

freight cars. The accident occurred 8 miles south of Dover and is thought to have been

the result of spontaneous combustion and the burning fluid was scattered in all directions.

Fifteen rail cars were wrecked and destroyed by fire. Several buildings near the railroad

took fire. Brakeman Edward J. Roach of Georgetown was taken from the wreck dead.

An infant died from shock. Engineer H. W. Sheppard inhaled steam and is critical,

conductor Cornelius Rath was badly burned, fireman John Barker was burned as was the

tower man, Horace Lynch of Greenwood. Dozens more town citizens were injured.

As soon as was possible a locomotive was sent to Seaford and returned some time later

doctors and other assistants. Telephone and telegraph wire were down so there was no

communication with other towns.

As the doctors worked with the injured others were busy with the fires but despite their hard

work, residences and the public school were burnt and many others rendered uninhabitable,

Abstract: Harrison H. from Oil City Pennsylvania newspaper, December 3, 1903