A tragic incident unfolded in Jamestown, North Dakota, on July 11, 1939, when a large truck collided with a gas station, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries. The accident occurred at approximately 19:00 local time when a truck loaded with 10 tons of butter swerved in an attempt to avoid an automobile at an intersection on Highway 10. The truck crashed head-on into the Heil Service station, demolishing a significant portion of the structure.
Details of the Incident
William Koch, a 60-year-old retired carpenter from Cleveland, was pronounced dead later that evening. Reports indicate he suffered severe injuries, including broken legs and internal injuries. At the time of the accident, Koch was standing in the doorway of the service station along with Julius Heil Jr. and William McDougall, a local youth.
As the passenger vehicle, driven by Orr Tramner, approached the intersection about 50 yards from the station, the truck, operated by the Roswick Truck Line of Bismarck, swerved to avoid a collision. Despite their efforts to seek refuge inside, Koch and his companions were unable to reach safety before the truck struck.
Injuries and Immediate Aftermath
The driver of the truck, Thomas Coons from McKenzie, sustained cuts to his head, while his companion, Joseph Peterson from Bismarck, emerged unscathed. The impact caused flying glass and debris, injuring both McDougall and Heil. An 11-year-old boy, Donald Cusator, who was inside the station, also sustained bruises.
McDougall, age 19, is currently receiving medical treatment, as are Heil and another injured individual, Darrell Cooper, aged 28, who was seated at a desk inside the station. At the time of the incident, Cooper was engaged in conversation with three local men: Jake Hockstetter, Frank Ervin, and Henry Otto.
The passenger car, which included Tramner’s wife, his sister-in-law, Mrs. Zack Tramner, and three small children, was “nicked” by the truck during the collision, damaging the vehicle’s fenders.
The truck’s impact with the gas station was significant, with a portion of the building collapsing onto the truck itself, which came to rest with a corner of the structure atop the trailer. A 12-inch beam penetrated the windshield, narrowly missing both Coons and Peterson.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with road traffic and the tragic consequences that can arise from vehicular accidents. The local community is mourning the loss of a respected resident while also reflecting on the importance of road safety measures.
