February 1901

   RAILWAY ACCIDENT. – On Monday morning while a surfaceman named Donald McLean was engaged clearing the snow from the points, on the G.B. & K. Railway, a little above Neilston Station, his hand got caught between the rails and the points which were being moved at the time, with the result that his thumb and fingers were very severely crushed. Dr W. A. Pride was immediately in attendance, and after dressing the injured hand had the man removed to his home. 

Barrhead News, Friday 1st February, 1901, p.3.

 

   KILLED ON THE RAILWAY. – On Sabbath morning the body of a surfaceman, named Peter Donaldson, was found lying alongside the railway about a quarter of a mile to the west of Carmuirs Junction. Deceased had both his arms broken, but otherwise there were no marks of injury on the body. Donaldson, who was 45 years of age and lived alone at Blairlee Farm, Bonnybridge, is supposed to have been knocked down by a passing train while on his way home on Saturday night. 

Kilsyth Chronicle, Saturday 2nd February, 1901, p.3.

 

RAILWAY MISHAPS.

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AT ALYTH JUNCTION, GUTHRIE, AND FORFAR.

   Quite a number of minor railway accidents are reported this morning. At Alyth Junction the engine of the 6.45 a.m. goods train from Perth to Alyth left the line while engaged in shunting operations, and a breakdown gang had to be requisitioned from Forfar to replace the locomotive, a task which, under the direction of Mr Anderson, locomotive foreman, was successfully accomplished later in the day. Fortunately the mishap occurred in a siding, and traffic was in no way interrupted. 

   At Guthrie a waggon which had to be removed from the train in consequence of a heated axle was also, through some unexplained cause, driven off the metals in a siding, while last night, through thee overturning of a cattle-laden truck in the goods yard at Forfar during shunting operations the leg of one of the eight or nine bullocks in the waggon was broken, with the result that the animal had to be slaughtered. 

– Dundee Evening Post, Wednesday 6th February, 1901, p.4.

 

A RAILWAY MAN’S DEVOTION TO DUTY.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE EVENING TELEGRAPH.

   SIR, – Kindly allow me to call the attention of your readers to a case which I think is worthy of public sympathy. On the evening of Monday, January 28th, John Walker, foreman surfaceman, residing at 22 Union Place, Perth road, after finishing his day’s work, fearing that the severe frost of the evening might seriously affect the proper action of the points, about nine o’clock went down the line, accompanied by his son, a boy of about 15 years, in order to inspect the rails and salt the metals. While thus engaged, near Camperdown Junction, he was knocked down and run over by a pilot engine, receiving injuries of such a serious nature as Infirmary, where he died on the following morning. It is not too much to say that Walker lost his life while endeavouring to prevent accidents and save the lives of others. Such cases of noble devotion to duty are rare. The deceased came from Montrose about eight months ago, where he was highly respected by all who knew him. he is survived by a widow, who is in delicate health, and four children. The youngest is under two years of age, and one is a cripple from spinal complaint. I have no doubt the Railway Company will do something for the widow and her helpless children, but surely this is a case which deserves the practical sympathy of a philanthropic public. As the minister who conducted the funeral service of this brave man I have been deeply moved by the sad circumstances of the bereaved, and would suggest that a public subscription be made on their behalf. I will be pleased to receive any subscriptions forwarded for this object, and will see that the money is properly administered. – I am, &c., 

THOMAS JOHNSTONE.

Congregational Manse, 10 Airlie Place,

Dundee, February 7th, 1901.

– Dundee Evening Telegraph, Friday 8th February, 1901, p.4.

 

RAILWAY COLLISION AT DUNDEE.

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DAMAGE TO ROLLING STOCK.

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A FIREMAN INJURED.

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      An alarming accident occurred last night on the Caledonian System at Dundee, and as a result two goods engines were severely damaged, while a fireman named Harry Connelly sustained injuries to his face and mouth. 

   About seven o’clock a goods train arrived at Buckingham Point from Alyth, and proceeded to the goods yard. While the engine was negotiating the points leading from the main line to the goods yard a pilot engine coming from the yard dashed into it, owing to some mistake having been made with the ground points. Both engines had been running at a fair speed, and collided with considerable force. The goods engine received the more serious damage. the entire front part, with the buffers and buffer beam, were smashed, and the engine was otherwise damaged. The pilot engine also sustained severe damage in front, although not to the same extent. 

   Notwithstanding the severe impact, the drivers and firemen of the engines escaped, the only one who sustained personal injury being the fireman of the goods train, Harry Connelly, who resides in Glasgow. At the time of the collision he was thrown forward, and his face came violently in contact with some of the fittings of the engine. His mouth was injured, while his under lip was also severely cut. 

   Immediately the accident became known the breakdown gang was despatched to the scene, while assistance was also obtained from the engine shops. The mishap occurred at a very awkward place – just at the crossing points from the main lines – and the engines lay in a situation which involved the blocking of both lines. Having regard to the damage sustained by the engines they could not be moved, and the traffic on both lines was in consequence delayed. The most serious interruption was that to the seven o’clock train to Glasgow, which had been joined by a large number of passengers, and as fully an hour elapsed before the line had been cleared the passengers were not able to make a start till eight o’clock. Another train was due to arrive at the station at 7.30, but it had to be pulled up at Magdalen Green, and on the passengers learning that they would require to wait till the line was clear they left the train at Magdalen Green. 

– Dundee Courier, Saturday 9th February, 1901, p.5.

 

   A domestic servant named Mary Frew met with an accident at the Kilmarnock railway station on Saturday evening. She attempted to enter a train while it was in motion, and missing her footing she fell between the carriage and the platform. She sustained a severe shock, but fortunately escaped with slight injury. 

– Dundee Evening Post, Monday 11th February, 1901, p.3.

 

SHOCKING ACCIDENT TO AN ENGINE-DRIVER.

FATAL RESULT.

   An accident of a serious nature, resulting in terrible injuries to George Bryce (engine-driver), occurred at Wemyss Bay Station yesterday afternoon. Bryce, who was in the employment of Mr George Pirie (railway contractor), was engaged with others at shunting operations, when he was knocked down and run over by five waggons. One of his legs was severed and the other was badly crushed. He was brought to Upper Greenock Station, and from there taken in the carriage ambulance to the Infirmary, where he died at two o’clock this morning. he was about forty years of age, and resided in Wemyss Bay. 

– Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette, Tuesday 12th February, 1901, p.2.

 

PECULIAR ACCIDENT.

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ENGINE DEMOLISHES SIGNAL-BOX.

   A peculiar accident occurred yesterday on the Great Western Railway at Aberdeen, a signalman named Samuel Williams and an engine-driver named Thomas Evans being seriously injured. Two colliers’ coaches were being run down a siding near the south signal-box, when the brake slipped, and the vehicles collided with the box, entirely demolishing it. Williams saw the coaches approaching, and jumped out of the window of the signal-box, sustaining a broken leg. Evans was injured by the wreckage of the box. Both men had to be carried to their homes on stretchers. 

– Dundee Courier, Wednesday 13th February, 1901, p.3.

 

   RAILWAY FATALITY. – About six o’clock on Saturday morning an accident occurred on the railway near Wallacestone, resulting in the death of one man and the severe injury of another. It appears that the Redding Colliery locomotive was proceeding to Wallacestone coke ovens for the purpose of taking five workmen’s carriages from there to the various pits in the district, belonging to James Nimmo and Co., Limited. John Paul Macaulay, a miner, was sitting on one of the front buffers of the engine. The rails were somewhat slippery with the frost, and on the engine approaching the vans the lever failed to act, with the result that the engine crashed into one of the carriages, which was lifted off its wheels. In descending the buffer of the carriage struck Macaulay on the right side, driving his ribs into his lungs, killing him instantaneously. Another miner, named Thomas Boslem, who was also riding on a buffer, was severely injured. Macaulay, who was 27 years of age, and was unmarried, was buried yesterday in Polmont Churchyard. The funeral was a public one, and was attended by the Free Colliers, and a large following of the general public. 

– Falkirk Herald, Wednesday 13th February, 1901, p.5.

 

   A USEFUL RAILWAY INVENTION. – A unique apparatus has lately been invented which renders railway collisions practically impossible. It is a signalling device for indicating automatically and simultaneously to two stations between which a train is moving, and its passage at various points on the railway. At equal distances along the line between the stations are pedals and a transmitter, which establishes electrical communication between the train and operator at the station. Apertures in the station recorder show white normally, the passage of the train over the pedals causing a blue or yellow panel to appear, according to whether the pedals are odd or even. these colours appear successively in each of the apertures in the direction of the movement of the train. There is also a bell signal which indicates when trains are running in opposite directions on the same track, if a train is on the wrong track, or if two trains are on the same section. This new device has been used with great success on the State Railway of France between Joue and Tours, where the track is single. 

– North British Daily Mail, Wednesday 13th February, 1901, p.5.

 

SAD RAILWAY FATALITY.

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AT DINGWALL STATION.

   Kenneth Stewart, son of Kenneth Stewart, crofter, Morefield, Ullapool, was killed at Dingwall Station last night. Deceased was standing beside the Strathpeffer train speaking to a friend, when the train started, and somehow Stewart lost his balance and fell between the platform and footboard. He must have been instantaneously killed. 

   The shock was such that the carriage was immediately derailed. The mangled remains were seen by Dr Duncan, and thereafter taken charge of by the police. Deceased was twenty-six years of age, and unmarried. He attended Dingwall sales yesterday on behalf of Mr Cameron, factor, Ullapool, to whom he was a servant. 

– Dundee Evening Post, Thursday 14th February, 1901, p.2.

 

A TAY BRIDGE TRAGEDY.

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RAILWAYMAN INSTANTANEOUSLY KILLED.

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   Last night a sad accident occurred on the Tay Bridge, involving the death of an old man names John Blues, a night watchman in the employment of the North British Railway Company. On the arrival at Dundee of the 10.35 p.m. train from Dundee to Glasgow, a cap bespattered with blood was discovered on the front of the engine, and the locomotive also bore traces of blood. The discovery caused great alarm amongst the employees, and in respect that the engine-driver reported that he had oiled the engine and inspected it thoroughly at Cupar, it was surmised that if an accident had happened it must have taken place subsequent to leaving Cupar. 

   In the circumstances a search party was inaugurated, and a careful survey of the line was made from the Tay Bridge Station. The work of survey involved several hours, but latterly the body of Blues was found lying on the railway line a short distance to the west of the Esplanade Station, and just where the bridge curves round to the south. Blues’ duties were those of pacing backwards and forwards over the bridge during the night, and, as he had been long in that capacity, he was quite familiar with the times at which the trains passed. The train referred to, however, does not stop at the Esplanade Station, and, having regard to the curve, Blues had not noticed its approach, and the train must have come upon him before he was actually aware. 

   The injuries discovered on the body indicated that Blues had been struck a violent blow on the head by the locomotive, his brains being literally dashed out, and death must have been instantaneous. On the discovery of the body it was conveyed to the Esplanade Station, and there seen by Dr Lennox. Blues, who resided in Fullerton Street, Lochee, is survived by a widow and a large family. 

– Dundee Courier, Thursday 14th February, 1901, p.4.

 

   FATAL ACCIDENT. – The Railway Station was the scene of a most distressing occurrence on Tuesday afternoon. The 1.26 p.m. train, Stewarton to Kilmarnock, was about to leave the platform when the attention of Andrew McGill, porter, was drawn to an unclosed door. The train was moving as he rushed to turn the handle. Suddenly he was whisked away, and disappeared between two carriages. the train was stopped immediately, but too late. The porter’s body lay mangled on the rails. The tragedy is heightened when we learn that deceased’s father came upon the scene a few seconds after the occurrence. It is not known precisely how the accident took place, but it is supposed that the unfortunate porter was tripped up by some boxes as he ran to close the carriage-door. Deceased was well regarded by the townspeople, and much sympathy is expressed for his folks. He was about 28 years old. His funeral took place on Thursday afternoon, at 2 o’clock. It was a public one, and a large number of mourners followed the coffin to the grave. 

– Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, Friday 15th February, 1901, p.8.

 

A MIRACULOUS ESCAPE.

   On Monday night, Robert Watson, miner, residing in Hope Street, Motherwell, met with an accident while the 10.30 train was leaving Hamilton Central for Motherwell. As the train was moving away from the platform, Watson made to get into the carriage when his foot slipped. He succeeded, however, in retaining his hold although the guard, perceiving the danger of his position, endeavoured to pull him off. The guard was equally unsuccessful in an attempt to get Watson into the compartment, and the ultimate result was that Watson fell off the carriage near the signal-box. Beyond sustaining a few slight bruises he was uninjured, but his escape was a most miraculous one. 

– Hamilton Herald and Lanarkshire Weekly News, Friday 15th February, 1901, p.4.

 

   Man Killed on the Railway. – In the early hours of Sunday morning the body of a man was found lying between the railway lines about 400 yards to the west of North Rigg railway bridge. On examination, he was found to be dead. The police at Armadale were informed, and they had his body conveyed to the mortuary at the Bathgate cemetery. In the course of Sunday the remains were identified. The man’s name was John Cowie, miner, West Rigg, aged 45 years. He leaves a widow and large family. It is believed that Cowie had been walking along the line, making for his home at West Rigg, when he was knocked down by the engine of a mineral train. He was struck on the black of the head, and was flung a distance of 13 yards. His scalp was torn off, and his skull fractured. Death, it is believed, was instantaneous. Much sympathy is felt for the widow and children. 

– West Lothian Courier, Friday 15th February, 1901, p.8.

 

FATAL ACCIDENT NEAR PERTH.

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A MAN FALLS FROM A TRAIN.

   On Saturday a sad fatality occurred near Perth. About nine o’clock Mr Drummond, stationmaster, Forteviot, was informed that a man had fallen from a special train run between Glasgow and Dundee in connection with a football match. A search party was formed, and in going back on the line for a short distance a man was discovered frightfully mutilated, lying in the six-foot way. the injured man was conveyed to Perth Infirmary, where he succumbed early yesterday morning. Deceased’s identity is at present unknown. 

– Aberdeen Press and Journal, Monday 18th February, 1901, p.7.

 

ACCIDENT ON THE JOINT LINE.

   Serious inconvenience was caused on Saturday night on the Joint Railway to a large number of passengers to Monifieth, &c., by an accident, all the trains from the 6.10 p.m. Dundee East being greatly delayed. The obstruction was caused by a goods waggon leaving the metals to the east of Barnhill, and as it was not noticed for some time it was dragged along the line to the Milton. Over 200 sleeper chairs were more or less broken or knocked out of place. When the accident was discovered the train was called to a halt, and word sent to Monifieth and Broughty Ferry. Workmen were soon on the spot, and a start made to get the waggons off the road and the line repaired. this was, however, not easily accomplished, and it was found necessary to use the single line for both up and down trains. The work of clearing and repairing the line was not completed till yesterday forenoon, when everything was again got into ship-shape. 

– Dundee Evening Post, Monday 18th February, 1901, p.2.

 

SHOCKING DISCOVERY ON RAILWAY.

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SUPPOSED GLASGOW MAN KILLED.

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   On Saturday night about nine o’clock a shocking discovery was made on the railway line at a part between Dunning and Auchterarder. About the time mentioned a young man, apparently about twenty-two or twenty-three years of age, was found lying between the metals with his right leg almost severed from his body and his left forearm broken. The young man was at once removed to Perth Infirmary, where his ghastly injuries were attended to, but he died early yesterday morning. 

   How the unfortunate man came to be on the line is a mystery, and no one knows who he is or where he came from. It is conjectured, however, that he had been at the Celtic v. Dundee football match, and that while travelling home he had fallen from the train on to the metals. 

   On inquiry at the Central Police Office, Glasgow, yesterday forenoon, it was found that no one had reported anything that would solve the mystery as to whether the man had fallen from the train or not. On the other hand, however, it is thought that had he fallen from the train there would have been some persons in the same carriage able to explain the mystery, but no further particulars have come to hand. 

   A half railway ticket to Glasgow, a shilling, and a few coppers were all that were found in his pockets. 

– Dundee Courier, Monday 18th February, 1901, p.5.

 

   THE FATAL ACCIDENT TO A FOOTBALL EXCURSIONIST. – Yesterday it was learned by the Perth County Police, who were engaged making inquiries into the accident which happened on Saturday night between Forteviot and Dunning, when a young man fell from an excursion train and received injuries from which he died at Perth Infirmary the following day, that the friends of the unfortunate man, who stopped the train and reported the accident, had stated that the man’s name was John Forsyth, and that he resided at 38 Hamilton Street, Govan. Since then, however, it had transpired that there is some doubt as to whether this was the name of the man killed or the man who gave the information. The Glasgow Police were notified of this, and began inquiries with the view of finding out the circumstances attending the accident. 

– The Scotsman, Tuesday 19th February, 1901, p.5.

 

   CHILD KILLED ON THE RAILWAY. – John McGlinn, seven years of age, son of Daniel McGlinn, mill foreman, was run down and terribly mutilated on the railway at Johnstone yesterday. Death was instantaneous. 

– The Scotsman, Tuesday 19th February, 1901, p.9.

 

RAILWAY FATALITY NEAR DUNDEE.

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SOLDIER KILLED ON JOINT LINE.

   The body of a soldier was found early this morning on the Dundee and Arbroath Joint Line near Buddon Station. The body was removed to Buddon, where it was identified as that of Gunner James Cattanach, [33,] Royal Artillery. Deceased was a man in the prime of life, and had been stationed at Buddon for some time. He was in Monifieth last night, and it is supposed that while walking along the line last night he had been overtaken by a passing train and knocked down. the body was much mutilated. 

   A boy named McGlynn, who had been amusing himself by placing pins on the railway to be flattened, was yesterday afternoon killed by a passenger train near Johnstone. 

– Dundee Evening Telegraph, Tuesday 19th February, 1901, p.5.

 

SAD AFFAIR AT PERTH.

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   An accident of a melancholy nature occurred this morning at the north end of the Caledonian Goods Shed, Perth, to a man, 68 years of age, named Alexander Fortheringham, platelayer, residing at 22 Barrack Street, Perth. It seems that Fotheringham was engaged on the No. 1 down yard, where shunting operations were bring carried on, along with a few others cleaning up the sidings, while the other men were taking the cinders away in barrows. Fotheringham was standing on the six-foot way previous to the accident and he must have crossed over to the four-foot way, where he failed to notice the approach of four waggons which were being shunted, and consequently he was knocked down, and received frightful injuries to his right arm and leg. No one appears to have observed the accident, because his co-workers were some distance from Fotheringham when it occurred. The enginedriver could not possibly have seen Fotheringham, because the waggons stood directly between him and the unfortunate man, so that no warning whatever could have been given to him who was at that time a friend of misfortune. It was not until John Steele returned to have his barrow refilled that the sad discovery was made. He at once gave the alarm, and in an incredible short space of time the ambulance had arrived, and the injured man was taken to the Infirmary, where he was attended to; in fact, the injured man was in the Infirmary – about a mile distant – within fifteen minutes from the time the accident occurred. this is the second time that Fotheringham has been injured on the railway, he having received a serious accident some years ago. Fotheringham is married, and has a large family. 

– Dundee Evening Post, Friday 22nd February, 1901, p.2.

 

RAILWAY MYSTERY AT PORT-GLASGOW.

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BODY OF A MAN FOUND MUTILATED.

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   This morning a gruesome discovery was made at Port-Glasgow. About eight o’clock a surfaceman in the employ of the Glasgow and South-Western railway Company, while going his rounds, came upon the remains of a man, which were lying on or near the down line, west of the Nine Arches at Devol Glen. The head was completely severed from the body, as well as the legs and arms. Information was at once given to the police, and Inspector Craig and other officers proceeded to the spot and had the remains collected and conveyed to the mortuary, where they await identification. The circumstances attending the occurrence are still a mystery. It is thought that the unfortunate man was caught by a passing train while attempting to cross the line. He appears to be about forty-four years of age, and is fairly well dressed. The description furnished by the police gives the following particulars of deceased: Dark brown hair, dark brown moustache, otherwise shaved, dressed in light striped regatta shirt, black pilot jacket, dark corded trousers, grey socks, and pair of light lacing boots. 

– Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette, Friday 22nd February, 1901, p.2.

 

Alarming Railway Accident near Tain.

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Tinker Knocked Down.

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   An accident of an alarming nature occurred on Tuesday when the morning mail from Wick was about a mile and a-half out of Tain, at a point near Balnakyle. The driver of the train, a veteran on the footplate, John Mackenzie, was alarmed to see a number of people on the side of the track, including a woman carrying a child. He immediately shut off steam and sounded the whistle. The signal was without apparent effect. he repeated the whistle. The woman made as if to leave the track, but presently, aware perhaps for the first time of her peril, she stepped, not to the near side and to safety, but as if to cross the track and to confront the terrible danger. Mackenzie at once applied the powerful brake. 

   Our reporter, who was on the train, states that the train shook from one end to the other, so vigorously and effectively was the brake applied. Several passengers who rushed to the windows were in time to see a woman and child pitched violently to the side of the low embankment. Commendably prompt as was the driver of the train, he was not, unfortunately, able to prevent the accident of which he stood in much alarm. the woman was moving clear of the track when she was caught sharply by the side of the engine near the buffer. the child – an infant hardly a year old, perhaps – was more unfortunate. The buffer struck the right side of its face and head. 

   The train was stopped within its own length. woman and child lay on the bank towards the rear of the train. No doctor was travelling at the time, but, happily, Mr Macaulay, Chief Constable of Ross and Cromarty, and Mr Mactavish, Procurator Fiscal, Tain, were both passengers, and they immediately took steps to have the mother and child attended to. The child’s injuries were by far the more severe. The face was bruised, lacerated, and disfigured. Its screams were pitiful to hear. The mother’s right foot was much damaged at the toes, either by having been grazed by the wheel of the engine or sharply caught by some projection. She had been struck about the right shoulder, and complained of mush pain. Under the instructions of the Chief-Constable and Mr Mactavish, a brother of the child’s, a young active-looking fellow, proceeded at once in haste to Tain with the child. the mother was left with her husband and some other members of the family, while the train proceeded to Fearn, where news of the accident and instructions to the police at Tain were telegraphed by the Chief-Constable. 

   The unfortunate young woman was one of a small gang of Caithness tinkers – Newlands they said – who are presently encamped near Tain. Along with her husband and child and a young girl of eight or ten years of age, the woman passed through Tain about an hour before the accident, having been joined by two elder sons outside the town. The party were apparently making for Fearn along the railway track, which they had entered beyond the range of the station. the woman and her husband were both under the influence of drink, which even the accident did not seem to have totally dispelled. The husband – a man about 50 years of age – lay maudlin about the child; the woman’s injuries were such as made her so far as she was conscious think of herself. Both the elder sons appeared quite sober, but one of them – a young fellow of 17 or 18 seemed to be more or less demented, and wander aimlessly about the field crying incoherently. 

   The accident and the stoppage of the train created considerable sensation among the passengers, who at first did not guess the cause of the alarm. 

   The Chief-Constable’s instructions were promptly acted upon. While the child was seen to by Dr Gillies, and its injuries attended to, prior to being handed over to the Poorhouse authorities, the woman was promptly removed by a bogie to Tain, where her injured foot was dressed by Dr Gillies. She too was removed to the Poorhouse. 

   A correspondent states that the woman’s name is Macphee – not Newlands. 

   Great credit is due to Mackenzie, the driver, for his prompt action, but for which the results would have been fatal alike to mother and child. 

– Ross-shire Journal, Friday 22nd February, 1901, p.6.

 

OLD WOMAN KILLED ON THE RAILWAY.

   Mrs David Currie, a widow, upwards of 80 years of age, was unfortunately killed yesterday afternoon on the railway at Kilmaurs Station, near Kilmarnock. She resided at Causeyside, Kilmaurs, and had travelled home by the 12.55 train from Kilmarnock. On leaving the carriage she was heard to say, “I’ll no tak’ the brig the day, I’m owre auld on the legs.” She accordingly made to cross the rails at the rear of the train, but was knocked down and instantaneously killed by a light engine which was proceeding towards Kilmarnock. 

– Dundee Evening Telegraph, Saturday 23rd February, 1901, p.3.

 

RUN DOWN WHILE WALKING ON THE RAILWAY.

   This morning a man named Peter Neilson, High Street, Airdrie, was seriously injured in the Caledonian Railway near to Whifflet Station. He had been on his way to Coatbridge slaughter-house, and was walking along the railway for a near cut, when he was run down by a passing train. He was conveyed to the Alexander Hospital in the ambulance waggon. 

– Edinburgh Evening News, Saturday 23rd February, 1901, p.3.

 

FATAL FALL FROM FOOTBALL SPECIAL TRAIN

BETWEEN DUNNING AND FORTEVIOT.

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BODY HORRIBLY MUTILATED.

   ON Saturday night a fatal accident occurred on the Caledonian railway between Forteviot and Dunning Stations. About nine o’clock Mr Drummond, stationmaster, Forteviot, received information that a young man, apparently between 22 and 23, had fallen out of the special train which was run from Glasgow to Dundee on Saturday in connection with a football match. A search party was immediately despatched, and found a man lying on the six-foot way between Forteviot and Dunning. The man was unconscious and frightfully mutilated. Mr Drummond dressed his wounds, and afterwards had him conveyed to Perth Station, where he was removed to the Infirmary by members of the General Station ambulance corps. The unfortunate man never regained consciousness, and died about two o’clock on Sunday morning. His left leg was completely severed from his body, while his head was terribly smashed. His whole body was very badly bruised. 

   The man has been identified as Charles Mullan, 13 Albert Street, Govan. 

– Strathearn Herald, Saturday 23rd February, 1901, p.3.

 

   ACCIDENT AT COATBRIDGE. – A man named Peter Wilson, High Street, Airdrie, was run down by an engine on the Caledonian Railway high level at Coatbridge on Saturday, sustaining severe injuries. He is lying in the Alexander Hospital. 

   ACCIDENT TO AN ENGINE DRIVER. – Yesterday morning John Leslie, a driver in the employment of the North British Railway, was found lying on the line in the vicinity of Messrs Calder’s distillery at Bo’ness. he had received serious injuries about the head, and was unconscious, in which condition he remained up to last night, so that no particulars as to how the accident occurred have been obtained. He was employed on shunting duty on Saturday night. 

– The Scotsman, Monday 25th February, 1901, p.7.

 

NAVVY KILLED ON RAILWAY AT CRIEFF.

   This morning, while the chief surfaceman at Crieff was walking through the Burrell Street tunnel a few yards west of Crieff Station, he found the dead body of a man lying prostrate on the side of the railway. The man had apparently been knocked on the head by the engine buffer of the last train proceeding from Crieff to Comrie on Saturday night, but, save a mark on the back of the head and a slight mark on the forehead, the remains were otherwise undamaged. He had on his person a pawnticket bearing the name of John McDonald, and he was known on the St Fillans Railway, where he had been working for some time by that name. He was apparently about 60 years of age. 

– Dundee Evening Telegraph, Monday 25th February, 1901, p.5.

ACCIDENT ON THE RAILWAY AT LAURENCEKIRK.

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   On Saturday morning, while Jas. Mitchell, railway porter, Laurencekirk, was engaged coupling some waggons at the station, he unfortunately allowed his left hand to get between the buffers of two of the vehicles, with the result that it was severely crushed. Mitchell was brought to Aberdeen by the North British train due to arrive at 10.50, and proceeded to the Royal Infirmary, where his injuries were attended to. It is feared, however, that the hand will have to be amputated. 

– Aberdeen Press and Journal, Monday 25th February, 1901, p.2.

 

FATAL ACCIDENT TO AN ENGINE-DRIVER.

   John Leslie, engine-driver, died late last night from the effects of injuries received on the railway near Bo’ness Station. He was found lying in the four foot-way yesterday morning, and was conveyed to a signal cabin. His skull was fractured, and he never regained consciousness. No explanation is forth coming as to how Leslie was hurt, but he must have lain on the line for eight hours before he was discovered. Deceased was aged 32, married, and resided at Muiravonside.  

– Edinburgh Evening News, Monday 25th February, 1901, p.3.

 

ACCIDENT AT EDINBURGH GASWORKS.

   A lad named James Strachan, residing at 21 Cathcart Place, Edinburgh, and employed at the Edinburgh Gasworks, was crossing one of the railway lines at the Gasworks to-day., when he was struck by an engine and thrown heavily against a wall, sustaining severe internal injuries and a badly-bruised arm. He was removed to the Royal Infirmary. 

– Edinburgh Evening News, Thursday 28th February, 1901, p.3.

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