From the South Bend Tribune, Thursday, May 22, 1952

Six Tank Cars Burn In Town

Lowell, Ind., Lists $250,000 Damage In Monon Wreck

By Associated Press

LOWELL, Ind., May 22- Thirty cars of a Monon freight train jumped the tracks early today and six tank cars filled with inflammable fuel burst into flames. The fire caused $250,000 damage, destroyed the depot, and threatened Lowell's downtown business district.

Firemen from six Northeastern Indiana towns fought the spectacular blaze for four pre-dawn hours. Burning fuel oil, gasoline and alcohol ran down the gutters of the main street. No one was hurt.

The wreck occurred shortly after midnight and the Lowell Police Chief, Harry N. Brown, said members of the train crew told him it was caused by a broken wheel.

Bound For Louisville

The train was bound from Chicago to Louisville. The derailed cars were in the center of the 65 car train.

The Lowell station was to have been the center of Lowell's centennial celebration in a few weeks. Many of the town's 1,600 residents are growing beards in preparation for participation in a pageant to be held as part of the celebration.

Lowell is in southern Lake County, about 35 miles southeast of Chicago.

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