A tragic accident occurred on July 11, 1939, in Jamestown, North Dakota, when a large truck collided with a gas station, resulting in the death of one man and injuries to several others. At approximately 19:00 local time, the truck, loaded with 10 tons of butter, swerved to avoid a passenger vehicle at an intersection on Highway 10, crashing into the Heil Service station and causing significant destruction.
Details of the Incident
The victim, William Koch, a 60-year-old retired carpenter from Cleveland, succumbed to his injuries later that evening at 23:00. Reports indicate that Koch sustained severe leg injuries and internal trauma after being struck while standing at the doorway of the gas station alongside two others, Julius Heil Jr. and William McDougall, a 19-year-old local resident.
The incident unfolded when the passenger car, driven by Orr Tramner, approached the intersection approximately 50 yards from the station. In a sudden maneuver to avoid a collision, the truck operated by Thomas Coons of the Roswick Truck Line from Bismarck veered off course. The truck ultimately crashed into the station, demolishing a quarter of its 24 by 48-foot structure.
Several individuals were caught in the chaos. McDougall and Heil suffered injuries from shattered glass and debris, while Donald Cusator, an 11-year-old boy who was inside the station at the time, also received minor injuries. Coons, the truck driver, sustained cuts to his head but was otherwise unharmed.
Aftermath and Injuries
Emergency responders transported McDougall, Heil, and another injured individual, Darrell Cooper, aged 28, to a local hospital for treatment. Cooper was reportedly inside the building conversing with three local men when the accident occurred.
The collision not only resulted in loss of life but also caused considerable damage to the passenger vehicle, which was occupied by Tramner, his wife, sister-in-law, and three young children. The car sustained damage to both fenders during the incident, although thankfully, all passengers emerged with only minor injuries.
The truck struck the gas station directly at the front entrance, coming to rest with a corner of the building atop its trailer. A 12-inch beam penetrated the windshield, narrowly missing the driver and passenger.
This incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers on the road, particularly at busy intersections. As investigations continue, further details about the circumstances leading to this fatal crash may emerge.
