Story perspectives
Today in History: Deadly Bridge Collapse in Ohio Kills 92
12/29/2025
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Story summary
- On December 29, 1876, the Ashtabula River railroad disaster occurred when a bridge collapsed while the Pacific Express train was crossing. The train plunged into the icy river, igniting fires from oil lanterns and heating stoves. The tragedy claimed 92 lives and injured 64, marking it as the deadliest rail accident in 19th-century America.
