RAILWAY ACCIDENT AT GOVAN. – A labourer named Thomas Connelly (26), residing at 202 Brighton Street, Govan, was admitted to the Western Infirmary last night in a critical condition, the result of an accident he met with in the new Princes Dock railway lye. He was engaged removing a piling frame when the guy rope gave way, and the piling frame fell on Connelly, inflicting serious internal injuries.
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SUPPOSED SUICIDE AT AYR. – on Wednesday night James Hay (49), labourer, residing at 21 Victoria Street, Ayr, was found decapitated on the railway near Townhead passenger station. The driver of an engine going to the water column about ten o’clock felt his engine go over an obstruction, and on going back he found Hay’s body lying in the four-foot way, his head having been severed from his body and lying outside in the six-foot way. Deceased had been in poor health for some time.
– The Scotsman, Friday 1st August, 1902, p.4.
THE SCOTCH EXPRESS IN DANGER.
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ALARMING ACCIDENT AT BEATTOCK.
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[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]
Glasgow, Friday Forenoon. – The English-Scotch mail train had a narrow escape this morning at Beattock. While the train was climbing the summit, a flange of the engine wheel broke and the train was brought to a sudden stop.
There was some alarm amongst the passengers, but apart from the bursting of the gas tank no further damage was done. The mail was delayed five hours.
It was fortunate the wheel broke while the train was ascending a steep hill. Had it occurred during a descent at the rate of 65 miles an hour there would have been an appalling disaster.
– Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette, Friday 1st August, 1902, p.2.
ACCIDENT AT KINGUSSIE RAILWAY STATION. – Early on Sunday morning Kenneth Gordon, driver of a pilot engine, proceeding Perthwards, met with a serious accident at Kingussie Station. Gordon was engaged in oiling his engine about the cylinders and driving rods, when, asked if he was clear, made, it is understood, a remark tot eh effect to drive on, that things were all right. The engine was started, and in some way his hand was caught in the machinery, with the result that the skin and flesh were stripped to the bone right up to the elbow. The accident was immediately noticed, and assistance given by such of the comrades and station staff as were about at the time. Dr Orchard, local medical officer for the Highland Railway, was apprised, and quickly appeared on the scene. After Gordon had lost much blood and suffered great pain, the doctor bound up the injured limb, and ordered Gordon’s removal to the Perth infirmary. It is feared that the arm will have to be amputated.
– Elgin Courant, and Morayshire Advertiser, Tuesday 5th August, 1902, p.5.
FATAL ACCIDENT. – A serious accident occurred at Bo’ness dock on Monday afternoon. Richard Watson, a man of about sixty years of age, employed as a coal checker to Messrs John Denholm & Co., ship brokers, was crossing the railway opposite the Forthbank Foundry, when he was run down by a train of empty waggons. the engine and several waggons passed over his right leg, which was completely severed below the knee. His left leg was also seriously injured. An ambulance student rendered first aid, and after being treated by Dr Graham the unfortunate man was sent by the afternoon train to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. Mr Watson died on the way to the Infirmary. Deceased, who was held in high esteem by the workers at the dock, leaves a widow.
– Falkirk Herald, Wednesday 6th August, 1902, p.8.
KILLED BY A TRAIN. – A fatal accident occurred on the Caledonian railway near Coatbridge Station on Saturday morning. A gang of navvies were engaged in the work of doubling the line between Gartsherrie and Summerlee, and about 7.20 a.m. one of their number, James Rooney (28) was proceeding in the rear of some of the rest of the men, who were about to start work. On looking round some of the gang missed Rooney, whom they had seen just a minute before, and the next they saw of him was his dead body stretched on the railway. A goods train had just passed, and it is supposed that deceased had crept through below some waggons that were standing in the lye and had come out on the main line before he noticed the approach of the train, which ran over and killed him. Deceased resided at 472 Gairbraid Street, Maryhill, and was a native of Rosport, Co. Mayo, Ireland.
– Coatbridge Express, Wednesday 6th August, 1902, p.2.
ACCIDENT AT THE RAILWAY STATION. – About five o’clock on Saturday an accident happened at the railway station, by which Peter Bain, employed as a porter, &c., had his right foot severely injured. He had been uncoupling some carriages from a train, and after doing so stepped unknowingly in front of a goods engine that passed at the time, with the result that his right foot was run over. Dr J. H. Meikle, Australia, brother of Dr Meikle, here, was soon in attendance on the injured man, and had him conveyed to the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh, where he now lies. His foot was so badly lacerated and broken that it was found necessary to take off all the toes except the big one, and part of the foot. We understand that the injured man, who has shown considerable pluck and cheerfulness in his misfortune, is making favourable progress towards recovery. Bain, who was in lodgings in Mill Street, originally belonged to North Leith, and is a reservist, having returned from the front only five weeks ago.
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ACCIDENT ON THE RAILWAY. – Peter Cox, surfaceman, 13 Lothian Street, Hawick, while working on the railway near the town, fell on his left hip, whereby he sustained concussion of the spine. He was taken to the Cottage Hospital, where he was attended by Dr Hamilton, and is now doing well.
– Southern Reporter, Thursday 7th August, 1902, p.3.
FATAL ACCIDENT AT FORTH BANK FOUNDRY. – An accident of a distressing nature occurred on the railway opposite the Forthbank Foundry (Messrs Reid and Rankine) on Monday afternoon. Richard Watson, coal checker, in the employment of Messrs John Denholm and Co., shipbrokers, was crossing the railway in order to check some waggons, when the dock pilot came slowly out of No. 3 lye. the engine-driver saw Mr Watson on the line, and blew his whistle, but the unfortunate man either did not hear, or was too late in clearing. He would seem to have been just stepping off the line when he was hit by the engine and knocked down. The driver at once drew up, but not before several waggons had passed over one of Mr Watson’s legs. The right limb was severed below the knee, and the other leg was badly injured. He was also bruised about the face, the result of the fall no doubt. The accident was observed by Mr Rankine and others, who hastened to the assistance of the injured man. Mr John M. grant rendered first aid, and staunched the bleeding till the arrival of Dr Graham. Mr Watson, who soon recovered consciousness, received every care and attention. Mr Denholm and Mr welsh were amongst the first to hear of the accident, and to arrive on the ground, and they, like every individual present, were deeply touched with the sight of their old and faithful servant so terribly injured. Mr Watson was placed on a stretcher, and although the ambulance was ready to convey him to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, it was thought it would be quicker to send the suffering man by the 3.30 train. Arrangements were made accordingly. The scene at the station was sad in the extreme, a large crowd of sympathetic people gathering around the station buildings, busy discussing the accident. Most touching of all was the appearance of Mrs Watson, who was naturally greatly concerned about her husband, and she spoke a few words of comfort to him, the interview affecting the bystanders very much. Dr Graham, Mr Mair, and several workmen went together in the train. Mr Watson being well up in years it was thought that it would stand hard with him. The end came sooner than was expected, however. he died just as the train reached Haymarket, and a telephonic message conveying the sad news reached Mr Denholm’s office early in the evening. The intelligence created a painful sensation amongst all classes, who deeply sympathised with Mrs Watson in her sudden bereavement. Deceased, aged 63, was for some ten years in Mr Denholm’s employment. He was of a quiet and inoffensive disposition, and no official at the dock commanded more respect and esteem than “old Dick,” by which name he was familiarly known.
– Linlithgowshire Gazette, Friday 8th August, 1902, p.5.
FIFE MINER KILLED YESTERDAY. – While engaged at the washery, Denbeath Colliery, yesterday morning David Wilson, N.B.R. buildings, Methil, was killed outright by a waggon. He was assisting in bringing a truck of coal forward to the elevator when the scotching of the waggon wheel set it off the rail, and, catching Wilson, it crushed him to death against the engine room wall. Deceased leaves a wife and family.
ACCIDENT AT THE GENERATING STATION. – An accident attended with somewhat serious results occurred at the Generating Station, Victoria Bridge, on Thursday evening. Edward Madden, boilermaker, residing in Nelson Street, was engaged removing half of a furnace door from a truck on the generating lye, and was standing on the buffer and hook of the truck, from which he slipped and fell to the ground. As he did so the furnace door, which was of considerable weight, came down on the top of him, the result being that his back and legs were severely injured. Dr Henderson attended the injured man.
– Fife Free Press, & Kirkcaldy Guardian, Saturday 9th August, 1902, p.4.
SURFACEMAN’S SUDDEN DEATH. – A surfaceman named Wallace, belonging to Gorton, who travelled from Fort-William by the early train on Monday morning, was found dead in one of the compartments. Deceased, who had come to Fort-William last Saturday night, appeared in his usual health on Monday morning. Heart disease is believed to have been the cause of death.
– Highland News, Saturday 9th August, 1902, p.6.
RAILWAY COLLISION AT ARDROSSAN.
Considerable excitement was caused at Ardrossan on Saturday evening by a collision which occurred on the Glasgow and South-Western Railway between one of the Company’s pug engines and a passenger train. The collision took place between the pier station and the town station. The steamer Glen Sannox arrived at Ardrossan Pier from Arran about nine o’clock, and the trains in connection with the steamer left soon afterwards. The train for Kilmarnock was stopped by signal when approaching the town station. At the same time a pug engine with 10 waggons was doing shunting operations at the harbour, and came on to the same line as that on which the passenger train was standing, with the result that it rushed into the rear of the train. the last carriage of the train was damaged by the collision, but fortunately no one was injured. A number of passengers received a great fright, however, and one passenger in particular, who had been in a collision on a previous occasion, is suffering considerably from shock.
– Dundee Evening Telegraph, Monday 11th August, 1902, p.2.
FATAL RAILWAY ACCIDENT. – While James Alston, twenty-four years of age, a young man, who resided at Logan Street, Glasgow, South Side, was walking along the Caledonian Railway at Blochairn Junction yesterday afternoon, he was knocked down and run over by a passing train. his head was terribly injured, and he only lived a few minutes afterwards.
– The Scotsman, Tuesday 12th August, 1902, p.4.
While a railway porter named Marshall was attending to his duties at the station yesterday he was struck on the back with the buffers of an engine, and knocked down, and rather severely injured. He had several ribs broken. The injured man was conveyed home.
– Dundee Evening Post, Tuesday 12 August, 1902, p.4.
RAILWAY FATALITY. – On Thursday morning, a working man was killed on the main line of the Caledonian Railway between Amoa and Holytown. He had been walking on the up line, and a mineral train was approaching from the opposite direction, while a pug engine was coming on behind him. The latter whistled for him to keep clear, but the man paid no attention to the warning, and before the engine could be drawn up he was caught by the buffers and thrown violently against the rock at the side of the cutting, death being instantaneous.
– Southern Reporter, Thursday 14th August, 1902, p.4.
YESTERDAY afternoon the signal cabin east of Baillieston Station (Caledonian Railway) was entirely destroyed by fire.
– The Scotsman, Saturday 16th August, 1902, p.6.
SAD FATALITY ON THE RAILWAY. – On Monday afternoon George Angus, a painter in the employment of the Caledonian Railway Company, met with a shocking death while working at Glenury Viaduct, Stonehaven. For some time the Railway Company has had a squad of men painting the ironwork of the bridge, among them being Angus. While standing on the line he observed a goods train coming from the south, and crossed to the opposite side to clear it. Unfortunately the 10.5 express train from Aberdeen came down the declivity at a good speed, and, striking the unfortunate man, carried him some 80 yards along the line. When picked up he was a fearful spectacle, his head being knocked to pieces, while his left arm and right foot were cut off, death being instantaneous. The remains were sent on to Perth, where he resides. Angus was 45 years of age, and leaves a widow, who is an invalid, and two other dependents.
– Aberdeen People’s Journal, Saturday 16th August, 1902, p.9.
SERIOUS ACCIDENT AT CAMBUSLANG STATION.
On Saturday night, as a special train was moving into Cambuslang Railway Station for the accommodation of the supporters of the Petershill Football Club, a rush was made for the compartments, and in the crush that took place several lads were precipitated between the carriages and dragged a short distance. Two were so seriously injured that they were removed to the Royal Infirmary. One was Andrew Fraser, 16 years of age, residing at 34 Queenhill Street, Glasgow, who had his right collar bone broken and two ankles either broken or severely injured. the other was John Aitken, 15 years of age.
– Dundee Evening Telegraph, Monday 18th August, 1902, p.2.
MIDNIGHT ADVENTURE AT DUNDEE.
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A SOLDIER SERIOUSLY INJURED.
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NARROW ESCAPE ON THE RAILWAY.
Private Patrick Sweeney (24), of the royal Scots Fusiliers, had a marvellous escape from a shocking death early yesterday morning. The facts of the case are of a somewhat extraordinary character. Shortly after twelve o’clock on Sunday morning Sweeney and a companion were walking together in Camperdown Street, when, seeing several railway carriages in the vicinity of the East Station, they thought that they might scale the wall and gain an entrance to the station, where they might spend the morning hours before returning to Barry Camp. The point chosen for the accomplishment of this object was opposite the London sheds. Being unable to gain the top of the wall unassisted, Sweeney received help from his companion, and to all appearances landed safely on the other side. Sweeney’s companion, however, now found that he was unable to clamber after his friend, and, proceeding some distance westwards, was in the act of climbing upon the wall when a police constable appeared on the scene. Asked if he knew of the existence of a tunnel on the other side, the man answered in the negative, and stated that his chum had already gone over. The constable recognising the danger of the situation, at once summoned assistance, and along with Sergeant Gourlay he proceeded to the signal-box in order that any trains due to pass through the tunnel at the time might be stopped. Procuring a stretcher, the officers travelled along the line to the spot at which Sweeney’s companion had indicated the mishap to have taken place. There they found the unfortunate man lying in the four-foot way. It was evident that he was very severely injured. The ambulance van was telephoned for, and Sweeney was removed to the Infirmary, where it was found that his injuries were of a serious character. He had sustained a compound fracture of the left arm, which was also fearfully lacerated. He lies in a precarious condition. The height of the wall on the south side of the tunnel at which Sweeney descended is almost 23 feet. As an explanation of his being in the four-foot way it is supposed that in the descent he had come in contact either with the signal wires or the masonry of the wall, and had bounded outwards, landing at the place mentioned. To this circumstance he owes his life, because it is known that an engine passed westwards about the time of the accident.
– Dundee Evening Telegraph, Monday 18th August, 1902, p.4.
CURIOUS RAILWAY ACCIDENT NEAR PAISLEY. – An unusual accident befel the 5.20 p.m. express from Glasgow Central to Gourock on Friday. While nearing Paisley some iron projection sticking from the tender of a passing goods train caught the side of the express, and ripped along almost the full length of the train. Many of the handrails were torn off, as well as several door handles, but, luckily, no one was injured.
– Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette, Monday 18th August, 1902, p.3.
TERRIBLE FATALITY ON THE RAILWAY. – Last night a sad accident occurred on the Glasgow and South-Western Railway, between Saltcoats and Stevenston, resulting in an old lady and her granddaughter being killed. It appears that Mrs John Ainslie, aged sixty-two, widow, and a little girl named Agnes Johnstone, three and a half years, and daughter of James Johnstone, plumber in Nobel’s Factory, while out walking, had attempted to cross the railway near to No. 4 Pit, Auchenharvie Colliery. They got across the up-line, but on the woman observing a train approaching she became confused, and turned to go back to the side again. Just then they were both run down and instantaneously killed. the train was the Fairlie express, which runs in connection with the Campbeltown boat.
– Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette, Tuesday 19th August, 1902, p.4.
RAILWAY COLLISION NEAR PERTH.
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EXPRESS TRAIN DASHES INTO SPECIAL.
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THREE MEN INJURED.
Last night a very alarming accident occurred at Hilton Junction, on the North British Railway, immediately to the south of Moncreiffe Tunnel, near Perth. How the consequences were not more serious than they fortunately proved to be is a mystery. It appears that a special train from St Andrews conveying white’s gondolas, merry-go-rounds, and side shows to Perth had been pulled up at a signal immediately in front of where the North British and Caledonian lines merge into the single line, upon which traffic is at present being conducted through Moncreiffe Tunnel. The line at that time not being clear, the special train was standing at the distant signal. The 6.45 p.m. express passenger train from Edinburgh due in Perth at 7.52 ran into the same section in which the special was delayed, and
DASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE STATIONARY TRAIN.
The special train was made up principally of waggons, which contained engines, gondolas, and various other fittings necessary to the erection of side shows, but the last vehicle was a brake carriage, the brake being in the centre, with compartments for passengers at either end. There were from a dozen to twenty men and women in the carriage, about half of them being in the rear compartment. It seems that the engine of the express dashed into the carriage, telescoping the rear compartments, and knocking it off the permanent way. The engine of the express, however, kept the rails, and it happily turned out that no one in the express train was injured, although several of the passengers in Mr White’s special train were hurt. How the accident occurred seems to be a mystery.
IT IS STATED THAT THE DANGER SIGNAL WAS DOWN,
and it is supposed that the driver failed to observe this, and ran his train on to the section where the collision took place. Immediately after the accident happened information was telegraphed to Perth, and Mr Yule, the North British Superintendent, proceeded to the scene of the accident with a special engine and van. The first thing Mr Yule did after he saw there were no serious cases of injury either to the express passengers or to the people in the special train was to get the line clear, and with that view he ordered the express train to be taken back to the Bridge of Earn with the pilot in order to be worked into the Perth on the single line. Meanwhile he returned to Perth, and ordered out a breakdown squad to get the line clear. The express train was afterwards taken into Perth, and arrived there at 10 p.m. No one in this train reported having sustained injuries. On making inquiries regarding the injuries to the persons in the special train it was stated that three men in the last compartment of the carriage were injured. These were
Fred Merchant.
John Harrison.
Albert Slater.
LOOKING AFTER THE INJURED.
Mr J. D. Lang, District Superintendent of the Caledonian Railway Company at Perth, sent out a special engine and brake van, along with an ambulance corps, to the injured, he himself accompanying the train, along with a number of other Caledonian officials. The three injured men were examined at the scene of the accident by Dr Overy, who is acting as locum tenens for Dr Taylor, Perth, and they were afterwards removed to the Infirmary. There a more careful examination was made by Dr Overy and Dr Marshall, resident surgeon, and it was found that in the case of Fred Merchant he had received a cut on the eye and a bruise on one of his legs. The injuries, however, were so slight that he was allowed to go home. John Harrison was suffering from two bruised ribs, while Slater had sustained a slight shock. In none of the cases were the injuries considered serious.
THE CLEARING OF THE LINE.
The railway officials afterwards directed their attention to the clearing of the line. While the rear part of the carriage was smashed and knocked off the rails, none of the other vehicles in the special train had been injured, so far as could be seen at a first glance. The opinion of the Caledonian Railway officials, however, was that it was dangerous to allow the special to pass through the tunnel for fear that the projecting contents of the waggons, which had been disturbed by the collision, might come into contact with the shield, which is at present erected in order to allow the workmen to carry on their operations during the steady stream of traffic which is constantly passing through the tunnel. As a result the special train had to be taken back to Bridge of Earn for the purpose of having the contents readjusted. The damage to the permanent way was very slight, but it is stated by Mr white that very serious damage has been done to his stock. His living van has been badly injured, and an engine and other fittings have also suffered considerably. he estimates his damage at over £2000. The line was cleared again at a late hour. The special train, however, was left at Bridge of Earn until a more minute inspection could be made of the damage. Several of the members of the Craigie Ambulance Corps, headed by Dr McLagan Reid, assisted in the removal of the injured from the train to the Infirmary.
INTERVIEW WITH A PASSENGER.
An “Advertiser” reporter at a late hour last night had a short talk with Mr Henderson, Secretary of the Highland Club, Inverness, one of the passengers in the Edinburgh express, who stated that while dosing he was awakened by being thrown off his seat. He was in a corridor carriage, and, so far as he could ascertain, no one in the Edinburgh train was hurt. He heard, however, that several men in the other train had been injured, and went forward to render assistance.
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CONDITION OF INJURED.
On inquiry at the Infirmary this morning, Dr Marshall reports that all the injured are making satisfactory progress. Harrison, whose ribs were bruised, had some difficulty in swallowing last night, but is considerably better this morning. there is also an improvement in Slater’s condition. He was suffering from shock. Merchant was able to attend at the Infirmary this forenoon to have his eye dressed.
The line was cleared in a comparatively short time after the accident. White’s gondolas have not yet been brought to Perth.
– Dundee Evening Telegraph, Thursday 21st August, 1902, p.4.
RAILWAY FATALITY AT STEVENSTON.
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OLD LADY AND CHILD KILLED.
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A SHOCKING accident which resulted in the death of a Stevenston lady and her grand-child, occurred on the Glasgow & South-Western Railway between Saltcoats and Stevenston early on Monday evening. The victims of the distressing calamity, Mrs Ainslie and her grand-daughter, Agnes Johnstone, were returning from Saltcoats and had just crossed the railway line some 500 yards from Stevenston station. Noticing a train approaching, which was the Campbeltown express, Mrs Ainslie asked an engineer who was near at hand which side of the line it was on, evidently believing she was in danger. To this enquiry she received a reply to stand where she was, but, unfortunately, having either failed to hear what was said, or becoming too confused, she stepped on to the permanent way in front of the train, meanwhile holding the child by the hand. Both were knocked down and their bodies were afterwards found in a frightfully mangled condition.
Mrs Ainslie, who was 65 years of age, belonged to Greenock, but had been for some time past residing in Stevenston. The little child, her grandchild, was the daughter of James Johnstone, plumber, Thistle Cottages, Stevenston.
Naturally, the tragic occurrence occasioned great excitement both in Stevenston and Saltcoats, and much sympathy has been expressed for the relatives of the deceased.
– Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, Friday 22nd August, 1902, p.4.
RAILWAY CARRIAGE ACCIDENT. – What might have been a serious accident occurred in one of the railway carriage compartments of the 7.25 p.m. train from Glasgow to Alloa on Friday last. Something had gone wrong with the lamp and just before reaching Lenzie Station the oil set ablaze causing the globe to burst. The falling of the burning drops made matters lively for the occupants who had their work cut out to avoid them. On reaching Lenzie matters were happily put right, but not, we understand, without some damage being done to wearing apparel, for which it is said claims have been entered with the Railway Company.
– Alloa Advertiser, Saturday 23rd August, 1902, p.3.
HIGHLAND RAILWAY ENGINE WRECKED.
On Thursday night what appears to be a malicious act was discovered in the Highland Railway Company’s locomotive yard at Kyle of Lochalsh. A cleaner coming on duty found an engines under full steam run against the rocks at the end of the turntable siding. The whole front of the engine was wrecked, and it was with great difficulty got on the table and brought back to the yard. Here a fresh hitch occurred, for, after leaving the rails several times, it finally fouled a crossing, thereby preventing the other engines from leaving the shed. The result was that the 3.30 a.m. train could not be run until an engine was procured from Dingwall. The accident crane from Inverness has arrived. The damaged locomotive lay in the shed the whole evening, and no conjecture as to how it got started can be formed.
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INVERNESS SHUNTER INJURED.
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A serious accident occurred at Inverness Railway Station on Thursday night, whereby John Cameron, a shunter, had his arm severely crushed. It appears that Cameron was in the act of jumping on to an engine, when he missed his footing, and fell beneath the engine. He was at once lifted up, and received first aid from the railway staff. Medical aid was subsequently obtained, and Cameron was removed to the Northern Infirmary in an ambulance.
– Aberdeen Press and Journal, Saturday 23rd August, 1902, p.5.
An extraordinary accident occurred on the Caledonian Railway near Edinburgh on Saturday. A goods train travelling between Mid-Calder and Edinburgh left the rails shortly after passing Currie Hill Station. Although the brake was put on the train ran on for quite six miles. The permanent way was torn up. The train had several narrow escapes, running over three or four bridges before it was pulled up.
– Dundee Courier, Monday 25th August, 1902, p.4.
COUPLING ACCIDENT AT STATION. – Shortly before eleven o’clock on Friday night a very serious accident occurred at the south end of Perth General Station to a brakesman named Thomas Moyes, who resides at 14 South Street. About the time mentioned Moyes had been engaged in the course of his ordinary duty, coupling a number of waggons, when several of these, travelling at a greater rate than was anticipated, suddenly came in his direction, and were he had time to get out of their way he was knocked over. A number of the workmen who were in the vicinity at once rendered assistance, and the injured man was conveyed to the Royal Infirmary, where his injuries were attended to by Dr Marshall, who found that he was suffering from a very badly lacerated wound in the thigh.
– Perthshire Advertiser, Monday 25th August, 1902, p.2.
LEAPING FROM A TRAIN IN MOTION. – Some excitement was created among the passengers in the four o’clock train from Dundee East Station yesterday by a man leaping from the train. The man received serious injuries to his head.
– The Scotsman, Tuesday 26th August, 1902, p.4.
SAD ACCIDENT AT DALWHINNIE. – On Saturday morning a shocking accident occurred on the Highland Railway at Dalwhinnie, Mrs Falconer or Stewart, 30 years of age, being cut to pieces by the 6.15 a.m. mail from Perth to Inverness. Along with Mrs Lamb, Dalwhinnie Manse, Mrs Stewart had gone to the railway to see the working of the apparatus in connection with the lifting of the mails by the Post-office van on the train. While Mrs Stewart was crossing the line, the express, travelling at fully sixty miles an hour, suddenly rounded a curve and caught her before she could get clear. Mrs Lamb was under the impression that her companion had crossed the rails in safety, but on search being made the remains were found in such a mangled condition as to be almost unrecognisable. Mrs Stewart was on a visit from Edinburgh to friends in the district. Mr James Anderson, Procurator-Fiscal for Inverness-shire, made enquiries, and found that no blame was attributable to any one.
– Inverness Courier, Tuesday 26th August, 1902, p.4.
Fatal Railway Accident.
Alexander Fraser, railway yardsman, who resided at 59 Hope Street, died in the Glasgow Royal Infirmary on Thursday afternoon from the effects of shocking injuries received the previous night while at his work near the Goods Station of the Caledonian Railway in Motherwell. Fraser had been standing in front of the yardsman’s bothy at the goods yard, and a train was passing up the one line while some waggons were being shunted on another line. He failed to observe the waggons which knocked him down. His left leg was almost severed above the knee. He was taken to the Infirmary and died as stated. Deceased was a married man and leaves a widow and family. One of the surviving sons, it may be mentioned, had the misfortune to lose both legs a number of years ago by being run over at the Railway Station.
– Motherwell Times, Friday 29th August, 1902, p.2.
A LEAP FROM A TRAIN. – A sensational affair occurred on the railway near Dundee on Monday. A lunatic named Edward Hamilton, who was being conveyed to Sunnyside Asylum by an attendant in the service of Dundee Parish Council, suddenly developed suicidal tendencies, and while the train was running at a high rate of speed, he leapt from the carriage window, some two miles from Dundee. by means of the communication cord the train was stopped, and Hamilton was picked up suffering from dreadful injuries. He was removed to the parochial hospital at Dundee, where he succumbed shortly after admission.
– Montrose Standard, Friday 29th August, 1902, p.4.
John Moore (20), porter, was sweeping the platform at Cambuslang Station, Glasgow, yesterday when an express train rushed through the station, He was drawn on to the line by the suction and killed.
Robert Wells, foreman surfaceman at Alloa, met a shocking death on the railway yesterday morning. He was on the line near the station, when he was knocked down by the 9.30 train for Stirling, sustaining an extensive fracture of the skull. He was removed to the hospital, where he died within an hour. He is survived by a widow and family.
– Dundee Evening Telegraph, Friday 29th August, 1902, p.3.
SERIOUS COLLISION ON THE UNDERGROUND RAILWAY IN GLASGOW.
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TWO CARRIAGES TELESCOPED.
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23 PERSONS INJURED.
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Charing Cross Station, Glasgow, on the North British low level line, was this morning the scene of a collision between two passenger trains, which resulted in injury to 23 persons. Two carriages in one of the trains were telescoped with disastrous consequences to the passengers. The trains involved were those leaving Kilsyth and Helensburgh, both bound for Glasgow, and both being timed to stop at Charing Cross Station. The Kilsyth train arrived at Charing Cross about ten minutes to nine, and just as the passengers were being discharged the Helensburgh train dashed into the rear, and the last two carriages of the stationary train were telescoped so completely that they could with difficulty be identified. Fortunately the Kilsyth train was a “light” one, and at the time of the accident the guard was standing on the platform. When the collision occurred the heavy engine of the Helensburgh train pushed the guard’s van right through the second last carriage to within five feet of the far end. The guard’s van was what is known as a composite carriage, there being two third class compartments in addition to the actual van. The second last carriage consisted entirely of third class compartments, in which there were about 20 passengers. there is a tunnel at each end of the station, and the distance between the end of the tunnel from which the Helensburgh train emerged and the rear carriage of the standing train would only be some 50 yards. Although the brake of the incoming train was at once applied, and the power reversed, the engine would be travelling at from 12 to 15 miles an hour at the moment of contact.
SIGNALMAN ARRESTED.
It is alleged that the accident was due to a signalman named John Fisher, giving the Helensburgh train the clear signal. He has been detained in the Western Police Office pending further inquiries. From the spectacle presented by the wreckage the wonder is that none of the passengers were killed outright.
AN EXTRAORDINARY SCENE.
The scene in the station at half-past nine almost baffles description. The Helensburgh train was still standing at the platform, the buffers of the engine being hidden by the rear portion of the guard’s van, which was lifted right off the rails. At first sight it was difficult, if not impossible, to tell where one carriage finished and the other commenced, so hopelessly mixed was the wreckage. Within a space of ten yards there was a confused mass of wheels and splintered wood, through which the buffers had ploughed their way with awful results. On the platform were other pieces of timber and cushions that had been torn away by willing hands to relieve the injured passengers, whose whereabouts could at first only be ascertained by moans coming from the wreckage. Woodwork and glass alike were smeared with blood, while in one or two instances what appeared to be pieces of clothing were fixed in the woodwork.
SPEEDY RELIEF FOR THE HURT.
Immediately after the accident ambulance waggons, doctors, police officials, and other assistance was summoned, and in a remarkable short time the injured persons had been removed from their perilous situations, and were being medically treated in the booking hall of the station, which was converted into a temporary hospital. After the injuries had been dressed the more serious cases were removed to the Western Infirmary, while a goodly number were able to proceed home. The injuries for the most part consist of severe cuts and bruises, although in one or two cases bones were broken.
Strange to say the forward portion of the Kilsyth train, consisting of 13 carriages, was intact, and it was subsequently sent on to Queen Street as an empty, the uninjured passengers making their way citywards by other means. With the exception of shock the passengers of the Helensburgh train escaped. So speedily was the work of removing the injured carried out that within half an hour after the accident all had been removed from the platform.
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LIST OF INJURED.
The following is the list of injured:
Joseph Porteous, postal clerk, 37 Dudley Drive, Partickhill – left eye injured. Went home.
John Moore, leather merchant, 98 Minard Road, Partick – fracture of right leg.
Andrew Moore, son of above – leg fractured.
John McDonald, bank messenger, 3 Airlie St., Partickhill – both legs fractured.
Elizabeth Duffie or Connelly, The Cross, Kilsyth – injury to back.
Mary McTaggart, 13 Temple Gardens, Anniesland – fracture of left leg.
Mary Kernachan or Dorran, The Cross, Kilsyth – face injured, gone home.
Thomas Mulroy, warehouseman, 5 Temple Gardens – both legs fractured (serious).
Alex. Turner, 5 Temple Gardens – shock. Went home in a cab.
Peter McMahon, Inland Revenue supervisor, 7 Clyde View, Partick – scalp wound and injury to shoulder.
Jas. Patrick, fruit merchant, 8 Main Street, Kilsyth – injury to leg.
Wm. Nicol, Kilsyth – injury to leg.
Daniel Taylor Thomson, railway clerk, Steven Terrace – temple, both legs injured.
John McMillan, salesman, Partick – shock.
Lewis Morrison, engineer, Balmuir – slight injuries.
Robt. Craig, clerk, Anniesland – head hurt.
Thomas Morley, clerk, Anniesland – head and legs injured.
John McLusky, canvasser, McLean Street, Anniesland – injury to legs.
One or two of the cases are likely to prove fatal.
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INTERVIEW WITH THE DRIVER.
Robert Richardson, driver of the engine of the Helensburgh train, was quite decided as to his getting the “clear” signal which entitled him to run to the far end of the station. Owing to the dense smoke in the tunnel he could not see the standing train until he emerged at the rate of from 12 to 15 miles an hour. his hand happened to be on the brake, and he promptly applied it and instantaneously reversed the power, but in the short distance that separated his engine from the rear of the Kilsyth train the rate was reduced to but an almost inappreciable extent before the crash came. According to the “block” system Richardson pointed out he should not have got the signal until the station was clear, but he had no doubt whatever as to receiving the “clear” signal.
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STATEMENTS BY PASSENGERS.
A Press Association telegram says: The injured people were principally suffering from broken limbs, cuts on the head and mouth, and shock, and even those at the remote end of the Kilsyth train were severely shaken. John Carden, who was in the third coach from the locomotive of the Kilsyth train, states that although he was so far away from the actual telescoping, his teeth entered the forehead of a companion, Mr Robb, who was attended by a doctor for a rather serious incision. the only passenger in the smashed carriages who was not seriously hurt states that he was standing up to get out when the collision occurred. The crash was deafening, and he had a most fortunate escape. The platform of the station was strewn with broken glass and pieces of the roof and sides of the carriages. After the injured had been removed the portion of the Kilsyth train which remained intact was able to proceed on its way through the tunnel to Queen Street.
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PREVIOUS ACCIDENTS.
Two nasty accidents have previously taken place in this section, which was opened in 1886. Three days after the opening an accident took place at Finnieston Station, where the Hyndland train ran into a standing train, with the result that 17 passengers were injured. A second accident took place over two years ago in the tunnel between Charing Cross and Queen Street stations, and resulted in the death of eight passengers and the injury of about twenty.
– Edinburgh Evening News, Saturday 30th August, 1902, p.3.
FATAL ACCIDENT TO RAILWAY SERVANT. – A sad accident, attended unhappily with fatal results, took place at Alloa Station on Thursday morning. It appears that John Wells, foreman platelayer, had been working in a stooping position on the north side of the up line, just a few yards from Claremont Bridge, and failing to notice the approach of the 9.25 train from Alloa to Stirling he was struck by the footplate of the engine, causing an extensive fracture of the skull. he was at once attended to by Dr Dyer who, after bandaging the wound, had the unfortunate man removed to the County Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries a few minutes after admittance. Deceased, who resided at Cunninghar House, Broad Street, was 36 years of age, and leaves a widow and family to mourn his loss, and for them mush sympathy is felt.
