Deep Dive: Engineering Tragedy: The Ashtabula Train Disaster (2022)
Film Lens
The documentary covers the Ashtabula train disaster that occurred on December 29, 1876, in Ashtabula, Ohio. It details the tragic collapse of a bridge that led to the deaths of 97 people, marking it as the deadliest train accident of the 19th century. The film provides a thorough examination of the events surrounding the disaster, including the severe blizzard conditions at the time and the impact on the local community.
Additionally, the documentary addresses the unsolved murder of Charles Collins, the chief engineer, and the suicide of Amasa Stone, the railroad president and bridge designer. It presents a narrative that intertwines the technical failures of the bridge with the personal tragedies of those involved, offering a comprehensive look at this historical event.
Why Watch
- •See the details of the 1876 Ashtabula train disaster
- •Meet the victims and their stories
- •Find out about the unsolved murder of Charles Collins
Did You Know
•The Ashtabula train disaster killed 97 people on December 29, 1876.
•The bridge had been in service for over a decade before its collapse.
•The train 'The Pacific Express #5' fell 70 feet into a river gorge.
•The disaster occurred during a blizzard, complicating rescue efforts.
Perfect For
Train history enthusiastsOhio history buffsDisaster investigation fans