Accident on the Danville Railroad--six persons killed and several wounded.
--About 2 o'clock yesterday morning an accident occurred on the Danville railroad, by which six persons were killed and several wounded.--it appears that on Monday a number of soldiers and citizens of
Danville organized themselves into a body for the purpose of resisting any advance which it was reported the
Yankee raiders were making upon that place.
On Tuesday afternoon a large cannon was placed upon a coal car, which was placed in charge of a detachment of soldiers and run up to and upon the west end of the
Staunton river bridge, so as to prevent its destruction by the raiders or them from crossing.
Not knowing anything of this obstruction, about two o'clock yesterday morning a freight train, loaded with Government corn, on its way to this city, came in contact with the car which had been placed on the bridge for its protection, and, knocking it from the track preciprated it into the river below, a distance of about thirty feet, killing outright six soldiers and wounding several others.
They hailed from
South Carolina, and were under the command of
Col. Miller, of that State.
The centre cord of the bridge was broken in two and some portion of the west end was carried down by the severe concussion which ensued.
Six cars, it is reported, fell through and were entirely demolished, but the engine, ("
Gazelle,") probably lodging on one of the abutments, was not seriously damaged.
The place at which the accident took place is about ninety-five miles from this city, and only a short distance from
Danville.
We are informed that workmen are already engaged in repairing the damage to the bridge and that the interruption to communication between this city and
Danville will only be for a few days.
