The Laurel Bridge 1904 Accident

The effect of the accident was to back up rail traffic in both directions.  The Railroad tried to park them where ever they could until the wreck was cleared and the bridge made safe. 

In June of 1904 the schooner "Golden Gate" was going up broadcreek with a load of lumber.  The railroad bridge was opened to allow it to go under.  A confused signal did not alert the south bound train in time and altho most of the train stopped, locomotive #5252 fell on to the schooner.  The engineer, William E. County, was killed by drowning. 

The bridge Today