On This Date in Minnesota History: July 9

July 9, 1903 – The heavy storm that passed over this section this afternoon cased a landslide on the Chicago Great Western road five miles west of Winona. A fast freight train rounded a curve ad ran onto several feet of sand that had fallen on the track from above.

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The engine left the track, carrying with it several box cars. All were piled up in heap at the side of the track. Engineer Helm, who had charge of the engine, remained at his post, although his fireman jumped.

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Helm was terribly crushed and received several cuts about his head. He was brought to his home in Winona and it is feared that his injuries will prove fatal. The fireman was not badly injured. The other trainmen received slight injuries. Traffic on the road is suspended and the Northwestern tracks from Winona to Minnesota City are being used.

The Minneapolis Tribune; “Engineer Is Crushed. Storm Causes Railroad Accident West of Winona.”; July 10, 1903; p. 2.


¹http://highwayhighlights.com/2014/06/5-minnesota-towns-youre-pronouncing-wrong/

²http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/rslist.aspx?id=CGW

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