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Story
April 29, 1850
Republican Vindicator
Staunton, Virginia
What is this article about?
The steamboat Belle of the West exploded and caught fire near Warsaw, Kentucky, on April 23, resulting in at least 60-100 deaths among 400 passengers, mostly California emigrants. The vessel was a total loss, insured for $8,000.
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AWFUL STEAMBOAT ACCIDENT
Cincinnati, April 23.
A terrible steamboat accident, attended by fearful loss of life, occurred this morning about 1 o'clock. The splendid steamer Belle of the West, which cleared from this port, loaded with California bound emigrants, for St. Louis, had gone but a mile below Warsaw, Ky., when her boiler bursted. It is confidently asserted that not less than 100 persons were burnt to death and drowned. The scene that followed the explosion is represented as having been the most awful ever witnessed on the western river. The officers saved their lives by immediately jumping overboard, and swimming ashore. The Belle of the West was owned in this city, and was insured for $8,000. She is said to be totally lost.
Madison, April 23.
Another Account of the Steamboat Disaster.
An eye witness to the horrible scene attending the destruction of the Belle of the West (which it appears was burnt instead of having collapsed her boiler,) gives facts in connection with the calamity. He says that the fire was discovered at about 12 o'clock in the hold, when she was immediately run ashore, where she was made fast, and stage planks run out. Up to this moment the flames had not burst forth. The after-hatch was then raised for the purpose of getting water into the hold, but such was the pressure of the flames, that all efforts to quell them were of no avail. The total number of passengers is estimated at 400, among whom were two companies of California emigrants, and about 30 families removing westward. It is ascertained from the register that over 60 souls perished, and probably as many more have been lost whose names were not enrolled. Such was the progress of the fire that, before the passengers could get out of the state rooms, all communication between the after cabin and forward part of the boat was cut off, and all either were compelled to jump overboard or perish in the flames. At the time the deck fell in, a lady and gentleman, with a child in his arms, were standing between the chimneys. A large number of horses and cattle were nearly all burnt to death.
Cincinnati, April 23.
A terrible steamboat accident, attended by fearful loss of life, occurred this morning about 1 o'clock. The splendid steamer Belle of the West, which cleared from this port, loaded with California bound emigrants, for St. Louis, had gone but a mile below Warsaw, Ky., when her boiler bursted. It is confidently asserted that not less than 100 persons were burnt to death and drowned. The scene that followed the explosion is represented as having been the most awful ever witnessed on the western river. The officers saved their lives by immediately jumping overboard, and swimming ashore. The Belle of the West was owned in this city, and was insured for $8,000. She is said to be totally lost.
Madison, April 23.
Another Account of the Steamboat Disaster.
An eye witness to the horrible scene attending the destruction of the Belle of the West (which it appears was burnt instead of having collapsed her boiler,) gives facts in connection with the calamity. He says that the fire was discovered at about 12 o'clock in the hold, when she was immediately run ashore, where she was made fast, and stage planks run out. Up to this moment the flames had not burst forth. The after-hatch was then raised for the purpose of getting water into the hold, but such was the pressure of the flames, that all efforts to quell them were of no avail. The total number of passengers is estimated at 400, among whom were two companies of California emigrants, and about 30 families removing westward. It is ascertained from the register that over 60 souls perished, and probably as many more have been lost whose names were not enrolled. Such was the progress of the fire that, before the passengers could get out of the state rooms, all communication between the after cabin and forward part of the boat was cut off, and all either were compelled to jump overboard or perish in the flames. At the time the deck fell in, a lady and gentleman, with a child in his arms, were standing between the chimneys. A large number of horses and cattle were nearly all burnt to death.
What sub-type of article is it?
Disaster
Tragedy
Historical Event
What themes does it cover?
Catastrophe
Tragedy
Misfortune
What keywords are associated?
Steamboat Accident
Boiler Explosion
Fire Disaster
Loss Of Life
California Emigrants
Western River
Where did it happen?
Below Warsaw, Ky., On The Western River
Story Details
Location
Below Warsaw, Ky., On The Western River
Event Date
April 23
Story Details
The steamboat Belle of the West caught fire in the hold near Warsaw, Ky., leading to rapid destruction; passengers, including California emigrants, faced flames and jumped overboard, resulting in over 60 confirmed deaths and possibly 100 total, with the vessel totally lost.