Wreckage of two trains destroyed in a head-on collision
|
|
Train wrecks were an all-too-common threat to the lives of Railway Mail Service clerks. In the decade from 1890
to 1900, there were over 6,000 accidents involving trains equipped with mail cars or compartments. Over eighty
mail clerks were killed in those accidents and 2,072 were injured.
The largest contributing factor to these high mortality rates was the growing number of trains in service B many of
which were running at faster speeds. As the service grew, it extended distribution through more territory and speed
became an increasingly important factor. Also, beginning in the 1890s, railway mail trains began to be heavily used
at night, with a considerable number of exchanges made from the moving trains.
There were numerous dangers present for railway mail clerks. Items within the mail car itself could rip loose in a wreck,
striking or trapping a clerk inside the car. Gallons of scalding water could pour into the railway post office car from a
jolted steam driven engine. Inside the mail car itself oil burning lamps and wood burning stoves proved to be extremely
hazardous. Tipped over in an accident, or even a sudden stop, there could be very little in a mail-filled wooden mail car
which would impede the progress of the flames.
Wooden cars were commonly used in railway service during this period. These cars were especially susceptible to
destruction by fire and impact. Even after the railway companies began to purchase metal cars, they found it financially
advantageous to continue using the wooden cars for several more years.
|
|
People standing among wreckage of train and collapsed bridge structure.
|
