The excerpt is from the newspaper report that went into the local newspaper, the Reeling Daily, on Tuesday, August 16, 1955.
Jubilee Island has been closed for business after one of the most horrific nights of tragedy ever reported. At least 40 people are reported dead, over one hundred injured, after the evening performance at Jubilee Island was interrupted by calamity. According to eyewitness reports, a series of unexplained and bizarre accidents swept across the carnival, resulting in the horrific death of concessionaires, sideshow performers, and customers. Police are presently investigating the island, and preliminary reports suggest that electrical malfunctions may be to blame; several electrical boxes throughout the carnival had exploded, resulting directly in some deaths, and doubtlessly indirectly causing other deaths by promoting panic and confusion. This culminated in the derailment of the Rocket Rise, one of the park's roller coasters, killing all 24 passengers as well as one bystander. The 8:00 ferry was jammed with customers and carnie employees seeking to leave the island; a second ferry at 9:00 was also filled to near-capacity. Many of those fleeing the carnival were injured, likely in the resulting panic. Police are currently conducting an investigation. The owner, Mr. Eugene Burgess, could not be reached for comment.