The first known locomotive boiler explosion was The Best Friend of Charleston, operating from Savannah, Ga. The locomotive's fireman was assigned to periodically release excess pressure by lifting a manual safety valve. When he grew tired of the hissing and heat of the escaping steam, he tried blocking the valve open. When that rendered the locomotive underpowered, he closed the valve and tied it shut. He was scalded to death when the boiler ruptured. The Best Friend was rebuilt and ran another 20-plus years.