MANSFIELD TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Warren County) — At 3:25 a.m. on June 16, 1925, train No. 1104 derailed southwest of Hackettstown near Hazen Road in Rockport, resulting in 50 fatalities in what remains the deadliest accident in Warren County history, according to the Hackettstown Historical Society.
The eastbound train struck an embankment that had slumped onto the tracks after being loosened by heavy rains. Reports suggest the train’s engineer was traveling at an estimated 70 mph along a straight section of track and was either unable to see the obstruction in time or could not stop quickly enough. The impact caused the engine’s boiler to explode, scalding many passengers.
Many of those who died were German tourists returning from visiting family, en route to New York City to board a ship for their return voyage home.
A marker placed at the site honors those who perished and acknowledges the rescue efforts of local residents and Game Farm workers who responded to the scene.
