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    1. Re: [VAFRANKL] Danville Train Wreck
    2. There was another train wreck in Danville Va., in 1930, per the following: R.H. MILLS IS TRAIN VICTIM Is instanthy killed when car is struck by Train Number 136 Funeral services for R.H. Mills aged 38, superintendent of the Tudor Ice Plant, who was instantly killed yesterday morning at 8:30 o'clock when the Essex coach he was driving across the tracks at Stuart Street, Schoolfield, was struck broadside by Southern Passenger train No. 136, will be conducted from the Methodist church cemetery at Shuff, Virginia this afternoon at 4 o'clock. The procession will leave his former residence on Gray street at 1 o'clock and drive through the country. The passeger train was running down grade and completely demolished the car. Mill's skull was crushed and many bones broken. The two eye witnesses to the accident, J.R.Chattin and a Mrs. Jackson were both questioned by Magistrate R.S. Fitts, who made an immediate inquiry. Both witnesses said that Mills, going towards Stuart Street, stopped at the crossing to permit the Southbound Cresent Limited to pass and then drove across the tracks not knowing that the other northbound train was bearing down upon him. The automobile was squarely on the tracks and the impact was almost immediate, the car being caught by the pilot of the train and thrown into the air where it was literally torn to shreds, the remnants being strewn up and down the track the distance of sixty feet. The engineer brought the train to a stop as quickly as possible and the train remained at the scene until the body was removed. Mills had been in Danville for a year and a half coming here from Patrick County. He was engaged in checking up on his Schoolfield deliverymen and seeing that they were affording proper service. He is survived by his widow and three children. This Robert Mills is a branch on my Harris tree. Pat C. Johns in Va.

    04/25/2005 10:54:08