UPDATE: Katherine Motes Bennewitz sent along these fascinating links to newspaper accounts of the event:
http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9D0DE4D7113AE633A25755C0A9669D946396D6CF
http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9406E5DE133CE633A25757C0A9669D946396D6CF
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There is absolutely no connection with this story to any current event, locally or nationally.
But it’s a fascinating look into Westport’s past nonetheless.
Indefatigable “06880” reader/historian Mary Gai unearthed newsreel footage of the worst train wreck in our history.
On October 3, 1912, the New York, New Haven & Hartford’s “Springfield Express” derailed near Davenport Avenue, just west of the train station.
The engineer failed to slow down. The steam locomotive derailed — followed by a baggage car, mail car, 4 parlor cars, 3 coaches, and a smoking car.
Wood splintered; glass smashed — and soon the air was filled with shrieks and cries.
Seven people died, and 50 were injured.
Here is a short video of the aftermath of that crash:
