Coaling tower collapses in storm, no injuries

October 12, 1893^*

Fosterville (AP) - No one was injured late yesterday when the PB&JRR coaling tower collapsed in heavy winds and moderate rain. The tower is located about halfway between the Triple T Mining Company site and the Princess Farmstead along the PB&JRR right-of-way.

It took crews nearly three minutes to clear debris scattered tens of inches along the rails. "Rail service was not interrupted," said James Trevorsky, section manager for the PB&JRR.

Lynn Tracelet, owner/operator of the Princess Farmstead, said she heard the collapse from inside their barn. "I ran outside to see what had happened and noticed that the roof of the [coaling] tower was no longer visible above the lower-40 trees. I was scared. And so were the chickens!" Ms. Tracelet explained that the chicken coop had not arrived yet and that the chickens were quite distressed already.

William "Billie" Fosterson of the Triple T Mining Company said this unfortunate accident will not affect construction plans for the new facility at the northwest end of the line. "We'll be operational by mid-1894^*," he declared.

Fosterville's Mayor J. Jameson said he was pleased with the quick and effective response by his jurisdiction's emergency services personnel.



^*For actual year, add 107

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