On September 30th, 1909, a catastrophic train derailment shook the small town of Hot Springs, South Dakota. The disaster claimed the life of one passenger and left several others injured in its wake. The incident occurred near the town of Hill City, approximately 25 miles east of Rapid City, on the Illinois-San Francisco Railroad.
The train, a stock car, was making its way down a slight grade at a speed of around 25 miles per hour when it suddenly lurched to one side and careened off the tracks. The impact was severe, sending the train’s engine crashing into a nearby ravine, where it came to rest 20 feet away from the original track.
Among the injured was Mechanic Charles Hales, who had been working on the train just hours before the disaster. Hales suffered a severe head injury in the accident, but miraculously, his life was spared. The cause of the derailment is still unclear, but investigators are working to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the dangers of the railroads and the importance of ensuring the safety of passengers and crew alike. As the investigation continues, one thing is clear: the people of Hot Springs will never forget the day the rails ran red with blood.
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Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Violent Crime
- Era: Historical
- Source: Library of Congress — Chronicling America ↗
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