1887 Hartford Railroad Disaster

Hartford Railroad Disaster
View of the accident site from the south.
Location of the derailment
Details
Date	February 5, 1887 2:10 a.m. EST (UTC−5)
Location	West Hartford, Vermont
Coordinates	43°40′54″N 72°23′38″W
Country	United States
Line	Montreal Express
Operator	Vermont Central Railroad
Incident type	Derailment
Cause	Broken rail
Statistics
Trains	1
Passengers	100 (estimated)
Deaths	37 confirmed; possibly up to 60
Injured	Dozens (exact number unknown)

The 1887 Hartford Railroad Disaster, also known as the West Hartford Bridge Disaster, occurred on February 5, 1887, near Hartford, Vermont. It remains the deadliest train accident in Vermont's history, resulting in the deaths of approximately 37 individuals and injuring around 50 others.

Background

In the late 19th century, rail travel was becoming increasingly popular in the United States, but safety standards were still evolving. The Vermont Central Railroad operated the Montreal Express, which was carrying a full load of passengers that night. Many were en route to a circus in Montreal, and the train had already fallen behind schedule, prompting the engineer to drive at higher speeds to make up for lost time. The weather that night was severe, with temperatures plummeting to −18 °F (−28 °C).

Incident

Illustration of the disaster in Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper.

At approximately 2:10 a.m., as the train approached the West Hartford Bridge, a broken rail about 200 feet from the viaduct caused a catastrophic failure. The coupling between the last sleeper car and the remaining cars snapped, causing several cars to derail and fall off the bridge. The engine and some cars successfully crossed over, but four cars—two sleeper cars and two day coaches—plummeted approximately 45 feet onto the ice-covered river below. Many passengers were trapped inside as the wooden cars ignited from overturned coal-burning stoves and oil lamps.

Initial estimates of casualties varied widely, but it is generally accepted that around 37 people died, with some reports suggesting that as many as 50 to 60 lives were lost due to injuries or subsequent fires.

Rescue efforts

Local residents and emergency crews rushed to assist survivors. However, extreme cold hampered efforts; many victims suffered from frostbite or hypothermia before help could reach them. Nearby homes were converted into makeshift hospitals for the injured. Despite these efforts, only a few bodies could be recovered from the wreckage due to the severity of injuries and conditions on-site.

Investigation

On February 7, 1887, two days after the accident, the Vermont Railway Commission opened an investigation. The investigation was led by Lieutenant Governor Levi K. Fuller and included the former governor of Vermont, Samuel Pingree. The inquiry focused on the condition of the rails, as evidence suggested that a fractured rail caused the derailment. Testimonies from track workers and railway officials were taken, and observations of the damaged rail and train components were analyzed.

The commission's findings highlighted issues such as defective iron rails and questioned whether proper maintenance and inspections had been conducted. However, it ultimately concluded that the defect in the rail could not have been detected prior to the accident.

Aftermath and impact

The Hartford Railroad Disaster prompted significant changes in railroad safety regulations across the United States. Investigations revealed deficiencies in both train maintenance and operational protocols. As a direct result of this disaster, railroads began phasing out coal and kerosene heating systems in favor of steam heat generated by locomotives. Additionally, new safety legislation was introduced at both state and federal levels aimed at improving railroad safety standards.

Memorials

A historical marker near the site of the disaster commemorates the event, providing information about the incident and its impact on railway safety reforms.

See also

• List of American railroad accidents
• List of rail accidents (1880–1889)