A light broke through the blackness and a train engine appeared on the tracks ahead. It was the southbound Limited passenger train from Duluth engineered by Jim Root. Those who were attempting to outrun the fire by going north on the St. Paul and Duluth tracks had gone about one mile when they heard the roar of engine No. 69.

The head of the group flagged the train with cries of, "For God's sake save us!" Root brought the train to a halt. As the frantic refugees crowded aboard, they poured out the tragedy of Hinckley. More came running from other directions. Altogether about 150 to 160 people managed to reach the train. By that time Root could see the flames advancing towards them and there was no alternative but to put his engine in reverse and back up.

He remembered a marshy spot near the track six miles north of Hinckley, which had been appropriately named Skunk Lake. It was a fiery trip back to the lake with the flames gaining on them. Some passengers were hysterical and had to be pacified by the crew. Root himself passed out at the throttle and was revived when Fireman McGowan threw a pail of water on him. By the heroic efforts of the train crew, all 300 passengers and refugees were delivered to the foul but life-saving waters of Skunk Lake.

 

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