When was it published?

January 18, 1886 in Salt Lake Evening Democrat

Domestic News January 18, 1886

Salt Lake Evening Democrat

Q: What sub-type of article is it?

Accident, Shipping, Death Or Funeral

Q: What entities or persons were involved?

Joe Davis, Matthew Higgins, Jeff Evans

Q: What keywords are associated?

Boiler Explosion, Steam Tug Modoc, Pittsburgh, Alleghany River, Pilot Joe Davis, Fatal Accident

Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah

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What is this article about?

Steam tug 'Modoc' boiler exploded in Alleghany River near Pittsburgh's Sixteenth-street bridge on January 17, killing pilot Joe Davis instantly, fatally injuring fireman Matthew Higgins, and badly hurting Captain Jeff Evans. Rest of crew escaped unhurt; cause unknown.

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Full Text

Terrific Explosion on a Tug. Pittsburgh, January 17.-The steam tug "Modoc" exploded her boilers in the Alleghany river, near Sixteenth-street bridge, shortly before 8 o'clock this morning. Instantly killing Pilot Joe Davis and fatally injuring Matthew Higgins, fireman, and Captain Jeff Evans. The rest of the crew escaped unhurt. The fireman had just fired up when the explosion occurred. The concussion was terrific, and the boat was rent asunder, fragments being scattered fully 500 yards. The pilot was thrown into the river and the body has not yet been recovered. The fireman was blown on a raft: his injuries are thought to be fatal. The captain is badly hurt, but will probably recover. Others were blown into the river, but rescued uninjured. The cause of the explosion is not known.

What sub-type of article is it?

Accident Shipping Death Or Funeral

What keywords are associated?

Boiler Explosion Steam Tug Modoc Pittsburgh Alleghany River Pilot Joe Davis Fatal Accident

What entities or persons were involved?

Joe Davis Matthew Higgins Jeff Evans

Where did it happen?

Pittsburgh

Domestic News Details

Primary Location

Pittsburgh

Event Date

January 17

Key Persons

Joe Davis Matthew Higgins Jeff Evans

Outcome

pilot joe davis killed instantly, body not recovered; fireman matthew higgins fatally injured; captain jeff evans badly hurt but expected to recover; rest of crew uninjured.

Event Details

The steam tug "Modoc" exploded her boilers in the Alleghany river near Sixteenth-street bridge shortly before 8 o'clock this morning. The fireman had just fired up when the explosion occurred. The concussion was terrific, and the boat was rent asunder, fragments scattered fully 500 yards. The pilot was thrown into the river. The fireman was blown on a raft. Others were blown into the river but rescued uninjured. The cause of the explosion is not known.