[Scottish Railway Incidents (1904) Contents]
ACCIDENT AT BOLESIDE. – While driving homewards on Wednesday last from Selkirk. G. McKendrick, a Galashiels butcher, met with a nasty accident. When near Boleside, his horse bolted, from what cause is not clear, and Mr McKendrick was pitched out of his machine on to the road. The horse continued its career down the road leading to Abbotsford Ferry Station, where it ran into and smashed the railway gates. Mr McKendrick sustained a cut to his head, which, however, was not serious. After the accident he was removed to Boleside police station, and later was driven from there to Galashiels in a cab.
– Southern Reporter, Thursday 3rd November, 1904, p.2.
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SHOCKING FATALITY AT PARTICK.
About half-past seven o’clock yesterday morning a porter in the employment of the Lanarkshire and Dumbartonshire Railway called at Partick Police Office and informed the officer in charge that the body of a man was lying beside the rails. It was horribly mutilated, both legs having been torn off, while there was a large wound on the forehead. As the result of inquiries made by the police, it seems that deceased was seen by the railway officials on the platform of the station mentioned the previous night. It is conjectured that while crossing the line for a short cut he was overtaken and knocked down by a passing train. He had afterwards been dragged for a considerable distance in the direction of Glasgow. The body was conveyed to the mortuary at Partick Police Office, where it awaits identification. Deceased was about 40 years of age, 5ft. 6in. in height, fair hair and moustache, while a female figure and cross flags are tattooed on the left and right forearms respectively.
– Aberdeen Press and Journal, Thursday 3rd November, 1904, p.6.
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READY TO ACCOMMODATE.
During a certain railway strike much difficulty was experienced in finding engineers to keep the necessary trains running. One of the substitutes, a young fellow, ran some distance past a station and then, putting back, ran as much too far the other way. He was preparing to make a third attempt when the station-master shouted to the great amusement of the passengers, “Never mind, Tammas, stay where you are! We’ll shift the station.”
– Bellshill Speaker, Friday 4th November, 1904, p.3.
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JOINT RAILWAY MISHAP.
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WAGGON AND LOAD OF HAY DESTROYED.
While a goods train was coming up the line this afternoon between Monifieth and Broughty Ferry a waggon of hay was ignited by the sparks from the engine. At Broughty Junction the train was stopped, and the waggon disconnected. the Broughty Ferry Fire Brigade was called out, and succeeded in preventing any further damage being done, but the waggon was destroyed.
Later, 4.30.
The goods train, with the burning waggon of hay, was run back to Broughty Ferry Goods Station, and the Fire Brigade turned out and attempted to cope with the outbreak. The flames, however, had got a good hold of the hay, and the wind fanning the flames set fire to another waggon of empty barrels. These are now burning furiously.
– Dundee Evening Post, Friday 4th November, 1904, p.3.
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RAILWAY ACCIDENT. – A strange and what might easily have proved a fatal, accident occurred on the new Caledonian line on Wednesday morning. Three waggons had been spragged, and were in use at the Springhill cutting, when in some way the sprag came out, and the waggons immediately started down the gradient towards Barrhead. Patrick O’Donnell, labourer, Robertson Street, was working in the middle waggon when they started on their uncontrolled journey, and as they quickly gathered great momentum he had no opportunity of jumping out with any prospect of safety. The waggons came down the line past Kelburne Street and Cross Arthurlie Street at great speed, and rushed through the new station at Mill Road, beyond which something threw them off the line with great force. The waggons were badly hackled and smashed, but the remarkable thing was that O’Donnell, who was flung violently out by accident, escaped with nothing more serious than some scratches and a bruised head. He was able to walk to Dr Corbett’s, where his injuries were attended to.
– Barrhead News, Friday 4th November, 1904, p.3.
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ACCIDENT. – A rather serious accident occurred at Wick Railway Station on Monday evening last. A young man named Stratton, a painter from Thurso, who is well-known in the town, was seeing a friend off by the 7.30 train to Lybster. He stepped on the footboard and despite the warnings of railway officials stuck to the train until clear of the platform, when in dropping to the ground his leg got on the rails and was badly bruised and crushed by the wheels of a carriage. The ambulance was promptly procured and he was conveyed to the Bignold Hospital where the foot had to be amputated at the ankle. Dr Jamieson was the medical man in attendance at the station and saw to the immediate removal of the injured man.
– John o’ Groat Journal, Friday 4th November, 1904, p.4.
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GLASGOW YOUNG MAN’S SAD DEATH.
The death took place this morning under exceptionally sad circumstances of George McKenzie, a baker, who resided at 124 Govanhill Street, Glasgow. McKenzie, who was only 20 years of age, had been suffering from consumption for some considerable time, and on Thursday the doctor advised him to go to the country. In obedience to that advice he proceeded early this morning to the Central Station of the Caledonian Railway, with the object of travelling to Avoch, Ross-shire, by the train leaving at 20 minutes past four o’clock. Two brothers and a sister accompanied him to the station, and while standing on the platform with them, he was seized with illness. His relatives carried him into the waiting-room, but he died almost immediately. The body was removed to the house.
– Edinburgh Evening News, Saturday 5th November, 1904, p.7.
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HEAVY RAINFALL AND FLOODING.
BRIDGE OVER THE IRVINE DAMAGED.
As the result of heavy and continuous rain, the Irvine district was yesterday visited by flooding which has not been equalled since the big flood of 1895. The river Irvine rose with great rapidity, and at one time the people residing at Waterside were threatened with the flooding of their houses. As it was, large tracts of land along the riverside for several miles were under water, and in the upper reaches a bridge in course of construction was severely damaged, a huge iron girder being carried away. the bridge connects the main line of the Glasgow and South-Western Railway and a coal pit which is course of being sunk at Drybridge. In the little mining village of Dreghorn, two miles distant from Irvine, the inhabitants again suffered from flooding, several houses being damaged by the water, and when the river was at its highest it threatened the railway line.
– Scotsman, Thursday 10th November, 1904, p.6.
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FATAL ACCIDENT. – A serious accident befell Mr John Macdonald, late carter, Invergordon, on Wednesday night, which, we much regret to state, terminated fatally on Monday in the Ross Memorial Hospital, Dingwall. It appears that when the accident occurred he was taking a short road from the town to the railway station, and must have fallen down the embankment, sustaining severe bruises, three or four ribs being broken. He fell near the rails, and his right hand apparently was resting on the rail when the south-going goods train passed, as three of his fingers were partially cut off. He lay in an unconscious condition until the following morning, when he was able to get away, and his injuries were temporarily attended to by Dr Cameron till the unfortunate man proceeded to the hospital. It was feared that a rib had penetrated the lung. From intelligence received on Saturday hopes were entertained of his recovery, but the sad news arrived on Monday that he had succumbed. Much sympathy is felt for the bereaved family, none of whom are resident in the town.
– Ross-shire Journal, Friday 11th November, 1904, p.5.
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MAN SHOOTS HIMSELF IN A RAILWAY CARRIAGE.
On the arrival of an Edinburgh train at Glasgow, on Monday night it was discovered that a young man in a first class compartment had shot himself with a revolver. A card in his possession bore the name of W. F. C. Jacobson, 25 Hillside Street, Edinburgh. The man is now recovering.
– Strathearn Herald, Saturday 12th November, 1904, p.2.
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LUNATIC KILLED ON THE RAILWAY AT MELROSE. – The remains of a man, terribly mangled, were yesterday found on the main line near Darnick, and it was discovered that they were those of a man named John Simpson, who had escaped from Melrose Lunatic Asylum the previous night. Deceased, who formerly resided in Selkirk, where he carried on a tailoring business, leaves a wife and young family. He was 36 years of age.
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SIGNALMAN KILLED AT BLANTYRE. – Another fatal accident, making the third since Monday, occurred yesterday in Blantyre. The victim of yesterday was a signalman on the Caledonian Railway named William Reid, 69, who resided at Strathaven. It is surmised that deceased, while walking along the railway to his cabin, had stepped off one set of rails to allow a train to pass, and that he had stepped in front of an engine and van which were going towards High Blantyre.
– Edinburgh Evening News, Saturday 12th November, 1904, p.4.
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FATAL RAILWAY ACCIDENTS.
A shocking railway fatality took place on Thursday afternoon between Thankerton and Carstairs Junction. A farm labourer named John Kelly (65), Eastfield, Pettinain, was travelling from Biggar to Carstairs, when, on the train stopping beyond Thankerton, he stepped out and proceeded to walk along the line. While doing so an engine and van came up and went over him, taking off an arm and leg, besides inflicting other injuries. he died some hours after.
Yamus Yanulis (45), a Polish labourer, Monkey Row, Carnbroe, was killed on Thursday night by being run over by a mineral train on the Caledonian Railway near Calder South signal cabin. The driver reported that he thought he had run over someone, and on searching the line the headless body of deceased was found, he having been decapitated. Deceased was only two months here, his family being in Poland.
– Aberdeen Press and Journal, Saturday 12th November, 1904, p.6.
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POLE DECAPITATED ON THE RAILWAY. – About 5.30 p.m. on Thursday the driver of a mineral train on the Caledonian Railway reported that he thought he had run over something near Calder south signal cabin, about 100 yards to the south. On a search of the line being made, the headless body of a man was found on the four-foot way of the up line. The remains were examined by Dr Macphail, Whifflet, who recognised the body as that of Yamas Yanulis (45), a Polish labourer, residing at 10 Monkey Row, Carnbroe. He had been taking a bear-cut along the line to his work at Hugh Symington and Sons’ slag-crusher at the slaghill within Carnbroe Ironworks. The railway is very dangerous at this part, and frequently accidents occur.
A CASE FOR RECOGNITION. – A correspondent writes:- Some of the bravest deeds which take place in ordinary daily life appear to have the knack of escaping unnoticed, and the hero is allowed to go on his way without recognition. Take the case of Mr Miller, the station agent at Polmont, for instance. Mr Miller, it will be remembered, was for some time station agent at Sunnyside, Coatbridge. On Saturday evening last month a young man fell between the carriages at the station platform just as the guard of the train, unaware of what had happened, had given the signal to the driver to proceed. Mr Miller, on looking between the platform and the carriage, observed that the man’s head was lying upon the rail, and without waiting a moment he, at great personal risk to himself, jumped down from the platform, removed the man’s head from the rails, and shouted to stop the train. Just as he was doing this the train moved off, and Mr Miller, shouting to the man to lie flat, also flung himself flat between the rails. Fortunately, his cries were heard and the train brought to a standstill, but not until one of the vehicles had passed over the top of Mr Miller and the other man. Strangely enough, neither was injured. It does not yet appear that the heroic act has been recognised by the Humane Society, but who would say that the society’s gold medal would not be merited?
– Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser, Saturday 12th November, 1904, p.5.
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FATAL ACCIDENT TO A WEMYSS ENGINEMAN. – A fatal accident occurred at Lochee Pit, Wemyss Colliery, yesterday morning. It appears that while James Storrar, engineman, residing at Coalton of Wemyss, was attending to the engines he was caught by the machinery of a jigger engine. No one witnessed the distressing affair, but the unfortunate man was found dead beside the machine. He was 60 years of age.
– Fife Free Press, & Kirkcaldy Guardian, Saturday 12th November, 1904, p.4.
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FATAL RAILWAY ACCIDENT. – William Johnston, a tramp labourer, was discovered late on Friday night on the Dunfermline and Thornton branch of the North British Railway, with both his legs practically cut off. He had apparently wandered on to the line, and been run over by a mineral train. After being surgically attended to, he was removed to the Dunfermline Cottage Hospital, where he died on Saturday.
– Scotsman, Monday 14th November, 1904, p.6.
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STUCK BY AN EXPRESS.
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KIRKCALDY BOYS DREADFUL DEATH.
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A shocking accident resulting in the death of a lad named Edward Roper (15), who resided with his parents in East Smeaton Street, Kirkcaldy, took place yesterday afternoon on the railway not far south of Sinclairtown Station.
It seems that a few minutes before two o’clock the unfortunate lad and a companion named Westwater were crossing the line, as was their habit, to their work at the linoleum works of Messrs M. Nairn & Co. Westwater rushed across in front of a goods train approaching from the south, but Roper waited, and crossed immediately after it passed. He apparently did not notice the express train approaching from the north until it was too late.
On observing it he threw up his hands and made a big effort to get clear of it, but the buffer on the south side of the train caught him, and striking him with tremendous force, hurled him along the railway for a good distance, the body finally rolling over the embankment.
The boy was killed instantaneously, and when his body was picked up it was in a dreadfully mutilated stated. His remains were immediately removed home. The unfortunate lad’s mother fainted away twice immediately after she learned the dreadful news.
– Dundee Courier, Tuesday 15th November, 1904, p.6.
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FARM SERVANT’S VIOLENT DEATH. – On Friday a man, supposed to be named Aitken, a farm servant, was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, suffering from severe cuts on the head, and having one of his hands severed. He had been found on the railway near Dolphinston in an unconscious condition, having apparently been knocked down and run over by a passing train. he had evidently gone along the line, and, being knocked down by a train, lay on the line exposed to the wet weather all night. He died on Friday afternoon.
– Southern Reporter, Thursday 17th November, 1904, p.4.
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BURGER’S DASH FOR LIBERTY.
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LEAP FROM A TRAIN.
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ON Monday morning a prisoner, named John Murray or McFadzean, made a desperate attempt to escape from the custody of Constable Abel, of the Ayrshire Constabulary, while being brought by the 9.10 train from Ayr to Kilmarnock for trial by Sheriff and Jury on two charges of burglary. When the train was passing the Mount, about a mile from Kilmarnock Station, the prisoner, who was not handcuffed, took some dust and bread crumbs from his jacket pocket, threw them in the face of the constable, and then made a daring leap through the open window of the carriages. The constable recovered himself in time to throw his body out of the window and grip the prisoner by the heels, but unfortunately he either overbalanced himself or was dragged out by the weight of the prisoner, and both dropped upon the six-feet way between the two sets of rails. A passenger who was in the same compartment pulled the communication cord, and the train, which was going at the rate of over 30 miles an hour, was brought to a standstill near to St Marnock siding. Meanwhile the policeman had shouted for Mr Robertson, the Mount gardener, whose house stands immediately opposite the scene of the occurrence, and that gentleman at once went to his assistance. When the railway guard had ascertained the cause of the stoppage, the train proceeded on its journey, and a special engine and van were sent down from Kilmarnock for the constable and his prisoner, both of whom were severely injured. The prisoner got an arm broken, and sustained numerous cuts and bruises about the head, while his legs are also slightly hurt. He remained in an unconscious condition during the greater part of the day. Constable Abel is badly cut on the head, one of his ankles is dislocated, and he complains of severe pain in the back. The charges against Murray or McFadzean were of breaking into a house in Ellis Street on 28th February, 1903, and into a house at Grange Knowe, Kilmarnock, on 5th March, 1903. In the former case the burglar was disturbed by a young gentleman who lodged in the house, and a fierce struggle occurred, the intruder being finally locked in a room, but before assistance was obtained he escaped through a window, and was lost sight of in the darkness. Sometime afterwards Murray or McFadzean was arrested for burglary at Newcastle, and sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment. On his liberation at the end of September last, he was arrested for the burglaries at Kilmarnock, and since then had been confined to Ayr Prison awaiting his trial. When the case was called in the Sheriff Court on Monday Mr J. Pollock Stevenson, the Procurator-Fiscal, explained the circumstances of the occurrence, and Sheriff Mackenzie adjourned the diet pro loco et tempore.
– Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, Friday 18th November, 1904, p.8.
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FOOTBALL INCIDENT. – The somewhat unusual incident which occurred last Saturday in connection with the Johnstone club’s match at Alexandria had been misunderstood in some quarters, and as the matter has not yet come before the Combination Committee, no public statement has been made. We understand, however, that the tram travelled to Glasgow, and that when leaving Queen-street Station they entered the wrong train and found themselves at a station beyond Dumbarton before they changed. The team, therefore did not arrive at the Vale of Leven grounds until almost four o’clock, and as it was impossible to finish the match after that owing to the early darkness, the home club declined to play, so that the match was declared off for that day. The matter is likely to be discussed at the first meeting of the Combination. Johnstone plays Beith under the same auspices at Newfield Park to-day, when they mean to make a big effort to capture the points.
– Paisley & Renfrewshire Gazette, Saturday 19th November, 1904, p.6.
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BULLOCK KILLED ON THE RAILWAY. – At a late hour on Wednesday night, when cattle were being detrained at Kirkcaldy Goods Station for Kilrie Farm, three of them escaped in the darkness and wandered on to the line. About midway between Kirkcaldy and Sinclairtown stations one of the animals was overtaken by a goods train, knocked down, and instantly killed. The matter was reported to the station officials, and the animal, after being bled, was removed to the slaughter-house.
– Fife Free Press, & Kirkcaldy Guardian, Saturday 19th November, 1904, p.4.
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On Saturday evening a porter named Brown fell between a railway engine and a carriage at the General Station and sustained injuries to his head.
– Perthshire Advertiser, Monday 21st November, 1904, p.2.
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PHENOMENAL FALL AT ARBROATH.
A phenomenally heavy fall of snow took place this morning at Arbroath, and from a comparatively mild, indeed almost summer-like beginning of winter, the town and district has suddenly been plunged into the midst of the rigours of an almost Arctic winter. Last night was beautifully clear, but very cold and frosty, and towards five o’clock this morning snow began to fall. So heavy and continuous was the fall that in less than four hours the ground was covered to a uniform depth of over a foot, and people on drawing up their blinds in the morning were amazed at the sudden transformation of scenery which had taken place. Fortunately the snow fell in a dead calm, and consequently there was no drifting. At the railway station a situation of some difficulty had to be faced, but this was promptly tackled by the officials under Mr Grant, the stationmaster. So heavily overlaid by the snow were the rails that it was found impossible to extricate the engines from the sidings, and it was likewise impossible to get out the carriages required for making up the morning trains. Fortunately a gang of railway surfacemen were at hand, and under Mr Grant’s directions all available hands were turned to clear a passage for the engines and carriages. Much labour was involved, but after a delay of some half an hour the first trains were sent on their journey. Subsequently all went well, but on account of the heavy coating of snow over the rails some little delay to all kinds of early traffic was experienced. Milk vendors from the country districts experienced a trying time in reaching the town. In more than one case they found it impossible to negotiate hollows in the roadways, and had perforce to seek assistance from neighbouring farmers in the shape of extra horse haulage. The rural postmen were all despatched up to time, but those who are usually mounted on cycles were obliged to make their journeys on foot. In the town pedestrians experienced much discomfort, while vehicular traffic was carried on under great difficulties.
– Dundee Evening Telegraph, Monday 21st November, 1904, p.5.
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LOCHEE MAN KILLED.
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STRUCK BY RAILWAY ENGINE.
An unfortunate accident occurred at Wellsgreen Pit, Buckhaven, yesterday, which resulted in the death of William Anderson, pit-head worker. It appears that Anderson was filling a hutch with stones on one of the lyes, when a train of waggons which was being shunted with the engine at the rear, approached unobserved by Anderson, and struck him on the back with such force as to throw him a distance of 20 yards. He only survived seven minutes after the accident, his heart having been burst. The body, which was in no way mutilated, was removed to his lodgings in James’ Street, Buckhaven.
Anderson was 21 years of age, and before coming to the district five weeks ago resided at Mid Street, Lochee. The deceased’s parents are both dead.
The Wellsgreen Pit is situated between Buckhaven and East Wemyss, and is the property of Messrs Bowman & Co.
– Dundee Evening Post, Tuesday 22nd November, 1904, p.2.
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TWO ACCIDENTS are reported as having taken place on the St Combs Railway during the past week. A calf strayed on the line and was killed by a passing train and a horse yoked to a cart was struck by a railway engine and bowled completely over. More is likely to be heard of the latter mentioned accident.
– Fraserburgh Herald and Northern Counties’ Advertiser, Tuesday 22nd November, 1904, p.5.
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Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was announced to address a meeting at Selkirk last night, under the auspices of the Imperial Union. On account of the storm, and consequent delay in railway communication, Sir Arthur, while on the journey north, found that he would be unable to reach Selkirk in time for the meeting. He accordingly wired to that effect. Bills were posted in the town announcing the postponement. The East Coast route, having fewer valleys to traverse, suffered less, and the traffic was carried on with little delay. The work and worry thrown upon the railway staff on such occasions were increased by a slight accident near the Waverley Station. Owing to the snow blocking the points, a pilot engine coming out of the good yards with a single truck was derailed, blocking the main north line at the east end, and causing considerable dislocation of traffic, both to outgoing and incoming trains. Several carriages also got off the rails, and added to the block, which was not cleared until about ten o’clock.
Running on the Caledonian railway lines was not seriously impeded, but drivers from all directions reported having encountered snow, in some cases nine inches deep, and the engines and carriages bore evidence of the severity of the weather through which they had passed.
– Scotsman, Wednesday 23rd November, 1904, p.9.
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EXPLOSION OF GAS TANKS IN GLASGOW.
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IMMENSE SHEET OF FIRE.
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FIREMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED.
A fire of an alarming nature, and one which unfortunately resulted in serious injury to a member of the fire brigade, occurred about half past seven this morning in the North British Railway Company’s works for the introduction of oil gas for lighting railway carriages. the works are situated in Hunter Street, in the central district of the city, and the brigade were summoned by the ringing of the street fire alarm. The damage is of such a nature that it cannot immediately be ascertained, but the most alarming feature of the fire was the explosion of two of the large boiler-shaped tanks in which oil gas is stored. The explosions were accompanied by terrific report, and one of the explosions resulted in serious injury to one of the firemen, Branchman Wm. Rae, of the Central Division. When the explosions took place the tanks were not blown to atoms, but a hole or tear about two feet in length was made in each. Out of this aperture flashed an immense volume of flame, and it so happened that Rae was standing directly opposite the hole made in one of the tanks. The unfortunate man sustained serious injuries to the head, face, and arms, and was promptly removed to the Royal Infirmary, where he now lies.
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FIRE AT A COATBRIDGE STATION.
About three o’clock this morning, the stationmaster’s room, the porters’ room, and general waiting-room at Whifflet Low Level Station, Coatbridge, were destroyed by fire.
Another telegram says: As the building was erected almost entirely of pitch-pine wood, the efforts of the fire brigade were of little use. Considerable damage has been done, many of the books of the company being destroyed.
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MAN KILLED ON THE RAILWAY NEAR HAWICK.
This forenoon Robert Thomson, surfaceman, who belonged to Langholm, was run over and killed near Shankend, seven miles south of Hawick, by the passenger train due there at 7.40, but which was 96 minutes late. It is not known how the accident happened, but it is supposed he was removing an obstruction from the railway at the time. Deceased, who was terribly mangled, was a married man about fifty years of age.
– Edinburgh Evening News, Thursday 24th November, 1904, p.3.
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BURGLARY. – James Calder was charged at Paisley Sheriff Court on Monday with breaking into a booth at Scotstounhill Railway Station and stealing a box of biscuits, 21 boxes of chocolate, 4lb. 11os. of tobacco, 4 boxes of notepaper, 8 boxes of sweets, and other articles. He pleaded not guilty, but was convicted on evidence, and sent to prison for 30 days with hard labour.
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KILLED ON THE RAILWAY. – A distressing fatality occurred on the Lanarkshire and Dumbartonshire Railway outside Partick West Station on Wednesday morning. It appears that William McGillivray, foreman in the railway telegraph works department, was observed by a man standing on the up-line to Balloch about thirty yards from the west end of the platform. the Balloch express almost immediately afterwards dashed through the station, and as the man could not see McGillivray after it had passed, he informed the station officials. On going to the spot they discovered McGillivray lying beside the line dead. The body was dreadfully mangled, and death must have been instantaneous. It seems that a pug engine was shunting in the vicinity, and it is conjectured that the noise from this engine prevented deceased from hearing the approaching express. The body was conveyed to the mortuary at Partick Police Office. Deceased resided at 37 Kelvinside Avenue, Maryhill.
– Milngavie and Bearsden Herald, Friday 25th November, 1904, p.5.
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ECHO OF DUNDEE SUBURBAN RAILWAY. – More is to be heard of the work done in connection with the proposal for a suburban railway in Dundee. In Dundee Sheriff Court yesterday an interlocutor by Sheriff Johnston was issued in the actions at the instance of William Brownlee, valuator and builder, and William Alexander, city architect, Dundee, against the firm of Thomas Thornton, Son, & Co., solicitors, for the payment to each pursuer of £93 9s as fees for the valuation of lands which might be required for the proposed Dundee suburban railway. Defenders offered a fee to each of five guineas, alleging that it was understood by parties that no fees should be exigible unless the scheme was proceeded with. Sheriff Campbell Smith found that in all the circumstances, more especially on account of the death of Sir Thomas Thornton, an inquiry into the facts was necessary, and failing the parties agreeing to a mode of inquiry allowed proof. Defenders appealed against this decision, and Sheriff Johnston sustains the appeal, and finds payment was not averred, and appoints the care to be enrolled for further procedure at next sittings.
– Dundee Courier, Friday 25th November, 1904, p.6.
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Narrow Escape of an Express Train.
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BRAKESMAN’S PROMPT ACTION.
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On Tuesday afternoon the prompt action of the brakesman of a goods train averted a possible catastrophe on the main line of the Caledonian Railway a few hundred yards from Wishaw Central Station, at a point opposite Messrs Morton’s Belhaven Works.
The goods train was proceeding in the direction of Holytown – slowly, because the signal was against it – and when passing the point where the Sunnyside loop line joins the main line, the four o’clock Glasgow express to Carlisle was seen approaching. With commendable presence of mind the brakesman jumped from his van, and, by using a red lamp, signalled danger ahead. Brakes were at once applied, and the express brought to a standstill, but not before the foremost of the two engines attached to the passenger train had struck the goods rear van, which was overturned, the body of the van being completely knocked off the wheels, and about thirty yards of the permanent way was torn up. The buffer beams of the front express engine were also torn off as the result of the collision.
Fortunately no one was hurt, but the occurrence naturally caused much alarm among the passengers, who, however, suffered little from the shock in consequence of the impact, which was slight.
Owing to the damage to the permanent way, the express could not proceed, and the Wishaw passengers accordingly alighted and walked to their destination, while the train steamed back to Shieldmuir, and then continued its journey on the Wishaw South line, the damaged engine being left behind.
The breakdown squad from Motherwell were soon on the spot to clear the up lines, both of which were blocked for three hours. Until the lines were cleared the traffic for the South was conducted partly on the down line and partly diverted by the Wishaw South line.
– Wishaw Press, Saturday 26th November, 1904, p.2.
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AVIEMORE ACCIDENT ON HIGHLAND RAILWAY. – On Thursday Charles Dunbar, surfaceman, was run down at Aviemore Station by the 6 a.m. train from Inverness to Perth. His right arm was broken, and he sustained severe injuries about the head. The whole train passed over him. he was attended by Dr Balfour, Aviemore. The injured man was brought by Captain Drummond of Glenmore Lodge to the Inverness Infirmary. Captain Drummond also kindly gave a sum of money to the man’s family.
– Highland News, Saturday 26th November, 1904, p.4.
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GLASGOW FIREMAN FATALLY BURNED. – Fireman William Rae, who was severely burned on the 24th inst. at a fire in the oil gas producing works in Hunter Street, Glasgow, died last night in the Royal Infirmary. Rae was thirty-five years of age, and a joiner to trade. He entered the Brigade in 1891, and rose through various grades to the merit class, having been for the past seven years in charge of the joiners’ shop at the Central Station. he is survived by a widow and four children.
– Scotsman, Monday 28th November, 1904, p.6.
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FATAL ACCIDENT TO A RAILWAY GUARD.
Yesterday evening a serious accident occurred to David White, a young man employed as second guard on the Galashiels to Edinburgh goods train. The train had been shunted into a siding at Pomathorn Station, and White was in the act of stepping upon the engine after the waggons had been uncoupled, when his foot slipped on the snow, and the wheels of the engine passed over his legs. The goods engine was detached, and the injured man placed in the passenger van and conveyed to the Waverley Station, and thence to the Royal Infirmary, where he died about two hours after admission.
– Edinburgh Evening News, Tuesday 29th November, 1904, p.3.