Courtesy of State Historical Society of Iowa, Date Unknown
Description
The train wreck shown was caused by the washout of tracks near Waterloo, Iowa. The rail line is likely running to towns to the east of the state, such as to Burlington and Cedar Rapids. The photographer and date of the photograph are unknown.
Source-Dependent Question
- Washouts happen often as a result of heavy rain. What impact would an accident like this have on the people in the train at the time? On clearing the wreckage? On the future use of the track by other trains? On businesses relying on this train route?