[Scottish Railway Incidents (1906) Contents]
FATAL RAILWAY ACCIDENT AT LEITH.
AN UNFORTUNATE FAMILY.
Last night an accident whereby William McIntosh, 15 years of age, son of a widow, residing at 24 Burlington Street, Leith, lost his life, occurred on the railway near the Citadel Station. McIntosh was employed by the North British Railway Company as a red cap, and while a train of empty waggons was being shunted from the docks to the station he endeavoured to “sprag” the train by placing a piece of wood between the spokes of a wheel of one of the waggons. He slipped, however, and fell forward on the line, and one of the wheels passed over his back. He was taken at once to Leith Hospital, where he died soon after admission. The occurrence becomes more distressing when it is remembered that in October last another son of Mrs McIntosh was killed by a similar accident at South Leith Station, and that her husband was killed about four years ago by falling from a chimney in Wilkie Place.
– Edinburgh Evening News, Thursday 1st march, 1906, p.2.
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POINTSMAN’S SAD DEATH.
A sad fatality took place on the Highland Railway at Inverness on Wednesday afternoon, when the remains of John McDonald (53), pointsman, May Court, Inverness, were discovered with the head severed from the body. Deceased was engaged oiling the points of that section known as goods yard road at Millburn. No one actually witnessed the accident, but George Murray, engine cleaner, observed an engine passing, and immediately afterwards saw the body on the line. Deceased leaves a widow and a large family.
– Perthshire Advertiser, Friday 2nd March, 1906, p.4.
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INVERNESS – FATAL ACCIDENT. – A sad accident occurred at the Inverness Railway Station on Wednesday afternoon. While John Macdonald, pointsman was employed in shunting operations he was knocked down in front of an engine, the wheels of which passed over his head, and killed him instantaneously. Macdonald was a careful servant of the company, and was held in high esteem. The deceased was over 50 years of age, and leaves a widow and a young family.
– Ross-shire Journal, Friday 2nd March, 1906, p.5.
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THE ABERDEEN RAILWAY MYSTERY.
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From information obtained yesterday, it seems that the man who disappeared from a train near Aberdeen on Thursday is Robert Taylor, commercial traveller, belonging to Glasgow.
Our Portlethen correspo0ndent writes:- A commercial traveller named Robert Taylor, from Glasgow, who had been slumbering while passing Portlethen on Thursday by the 4.15 express train from Perth, about three-quarters of a mile north of Portlethen Station had evidently opened the carriage door and walked out. James Simpson, Coastguard, Cove, while passing Mr Nicol’s (Barclayhill) about nine o’clock, was requested to inform the stationmaster that a man had fallen from the train. The stationmaster sent for Dr Macintosh and Constable Napier, and at once proceeded to the farm. The man was suffering from two severe wounds on the face, one above the right eye and the other under the eye. He also complained of pains in his right leg. The doctor put five stitches in his face, but he says that the injuries are not serious. The man is about 30 years of age. Mr and Mrs Nicol, Barclayhill, deserve thanks for the kindness they showed to the stranger.
TAYLOR’S ARRIVAL IN ABERDEEN.
HIS MIRACULOUS ESCAPE.
Taylor arrived from Portlethen in Aberdeen by the 1.10 Caledonian Railway train yesterday afternoon. Interviewed by a “Journal” reporter, Taylor said – I joined the 4.16 p.m. express train from Perth at Dundee on Thursday, with the intention of reaching Aberdeen. I am a traveller, 29 years of age, and represent the firm of Messrs William A. R. Fraser and Company, wire mattress manufacturers, Glasgow. This was my first journey on business to Aberdeen. Between the stations of Newtonhill and Portlethen I fell asleep. When about 300 yards to the north side of Portlethen Railway Station, I got a rude awakening. I came out of my sleep immediately I had been hurled down the railway embankment, which is pretty steep. I should say the embankment would run to a depth of about 15 feet. There was no person in the compartment, and I must have, while sleeping, turned the handle of the carriage door and walked out. I have been known to walk in my sleep on several occasions. Before I reached the bottom of the embankment, my head must have come in contact with a stone or a tree – there were a number of trees at the spot where the accident occurred – as a nasty zig-zag cut was inflicted close to my right eye. My right leg about the knee was also badly bruised, and although the shock to my system was very great, I did not become unconscious. A considerable quantity of blood flowed from the wound. I did not know where I was, only I thought the place could not be very far from Aberdeen. After a rest for a few minutes, I noticed a light, which would have been about 200 yards from where I lay. I made for the house from which the light came, and on my arrival there I was taken in and received the utmost kindness and consideration. The gentleman of the house (Mr Nicol, Barclayhill) at once sent for Dr Macintosh, who attended my injuries. The doctor put several stitches in the wound close to my right eye. I remained in Mr Nicol’s house overnight.
In the course of further conversation, Mr Taylor said that he still felt the effects of the shock, but hoped to attend to his duties in the course of a few days. Taylor left Aberdeen yesterday afternoon for Glasgow.
– Aberdeen Press and Journal, Saturday 3rd March, 1906, p.4.
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RAILWAY FATALITY. – A melancholy accident, having a fatal result, occurred at Leuchars Junction Station on Saturday morning. Just after eight o’clock, a surfaceman named Robert Berry, an old and experienced servant of the Company, commenced work for the day, and was in the act of oiling the points, when an engine which comes each morning from Dundee to convey a passenger train ran over him. The unfortunate man sustained a severe wound in the forehead, and his right leg was almost severed from the body. Berry had not noticed the approach of the engine, and was not observed in time by the engine-driver. The signalman in the junction cabin, which is just at the scene of the accident, ran immediately to Berry’s assistance but the poor man was beyond help. He expired in about three minutes after being struck. Deceased was a steady, obliging, and faithful servant, and had been in the Company’s service for 36 years. This makes the second fatal accident at the junction since the New Year, and it has cast quite a gloom over the village. Deceased, who was 57 years of age, leaves a widow and grown-up family.
– St. Andrews Citizen, Saturday 3rd March, 1906, p.8.
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DISTRESSING ACCIDENT AT PERTH.
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FIREMAN KILLED ON THE RAILWAY.
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A shocking accident resulting in the death of a young man named Thomas Wallace, fireman, in the employment of the Caledonian Railway Company, and residing in Glover Street, Perth, occurred, shortly after midnight on Saturday. Wallace, who had been on duty during the day, had just been relieved at the engine sheds, about a mile south of Perth Station. He took advantage of a run home on an engine, and, on jumping off opposite his residence, he slipped and fell among the engine wheels. He sustained shocking injuries to the head and left arm, and death must have been instantaneous. The deceased leaves a widow and one child.
– Aberdeen Press and Journal, Monday 5th March, 1906, p.6.
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KILLED ON THE RAILWAY AT PORT-GLASGOW. – Last night, shortly after five o’clock, a workman, named James Cobbey, in the employment of the Caledonian Railway, was killed on the railway at Port-Glasgow, near the goods station. He was loading a waggon when he happened to go on to the main up line, and was overtaken by a train leaving Gourock at 4.40. He was instantaneously killed. He was about forty years of age.
– Scotsman, Tuesday 6th March, 1906, p.8.
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RAILWAY GUARD KILLED AT COATBRIDGE.
A railway guard named Wm. McKaig, residing in Glenmairs, near Airdrie, was run down late last night on the railway near Whifflet North British Station, while engaged in shunting operations. The man was removed to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary, where he died this morning. The deceased was recognised as the tallest man in the North British Railway service.
– Edinburgh Evening News, Wednesday 7th March, 1906, p.6.
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FIFE RAILWAY ACCIDENT.
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Train Dashes Into Horse and Cart.
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Ploughman’s Miraculous Escape.
A sensational affair occurred on the branch railway between Dunfermline and Charlestown last night, resulting in serious injury to a young lad named James Dewar, 18 years of age, a farm servant, living at Charlestown.
The lad, who is employed on Maryhill Farm, the home farm on the Broomhall estate of the Earl of Elgin, was crossing the level crossing on the railway in charge of a horse and cart when a passenger train, leaving the Dunfermline Lower Station at 4.15, dashed into the horse and cart. the animal was killed, and the cart very much damaged.
The lad, who was thrown out of the cart, had a miraculous escape from death, although he sustained concussion of the brain. He was removed to the home farm in an unconscious condition, and on inquiry to-day it was learned that he had regained consciousness, and was progressing favourably.
Fortunately the engine remained on the line, and sustained little or no damage.
– Dundee Evening Telegraph, Thursday 8th March, 1906, p.2.
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ACCIDENT. – Mr Hensilwood, stationmaster at Barton, Cramond Brig, sustained a broken arm and serious bruises to his body, through stepping back into space from a wagon on Friday last. Mr Hensilwood was unaware that the wagon in which he was doing duty glided from a lorrie, which a minute before had been at the wagon’s side. His injuries were attended to in the Royal Infirmary.
– West Lothian Courier, Friday 9th March, 1906, p.5.
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RAILWAY MISHAPS. – Last Friday, while a train of shale was being taken up the pit line from Ingliston to the N.B. Company’s line, a serious mishap befel it, completely wrecking both train and railway. The point where the accident happened is not far from the junction, and the mineral line rises with a fairly steep curving gradient. The train was a heavy one, drawn by a heavy engine. While rounding the curve the way gave out, throwing the whole train into confusion. Twelve waggons were derailed and more or less smashed up, their contents being scattered over the railway. It was necessary to summon the assistance of a break-down gang to clear up the debris. After working through Friday night the bulk of the work of clearance was done, but there still remained many marks and signs of the smash. On Saturday afternoon, a less serious mishap occurred near Lochend, an empty wagon on the afternoon goods train having become derailed, ran for some distance along the sleepers. It was when it came in slight contact with the Lochend bridge that those in charge of the train knew what was the matter. Before the train could be drawn up several chairs were broken, and one of the buffers of the wagons next it. No time was lost in having the wagon placed on the line once more, and ere the passenger train was due the line was clear. As, however, some damage had been done to the permanent way the evening trains had to be run at caution, till the necessary repairs were made.
– West Lothian Courier, Friday 9th March, 1906, p.5.
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OLD MAN’S SUICIDE AT PORTOBELLO.
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THROWS HIMSELF IN FRONT OF AN ENGINE.
About half-past ten this morning, David Deans, an old man of about 70, was knocked down by the Gifford train at Portobello West Junction. The train was travelling in the direction of Edinburgh at the time. When picked up Deans was found to be badly hurt, his right foot and his head being severely injured. He was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. It is not known what he was doing on the railway at the time. Deans, who resided in Portobello, was formerly employed by the N. B. Railway Company at their works at Baileyfield.
On being taken to the Infirmary, Deans was found to have been very severely injured. His right foot was taken off at the ankle, and he had suffered severe injuries to the head. Shortly after admission he died, as the result of his injuries.
Further inquiry goes to show that the affair was not an accident, as was at first thought to be the case. The driver of the engine states that he saw the old man, with his hands clasped at his back, jump deliberately in front of the oncoming engine. Deans, it seems, has not been in good health for some time, and very low spirited. He resided at Tower Street, Portobello.
– Edinburgh Evening News, Saturday 10th March, 1906, p.5.
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FIRE AT THE DOCKS. – About nine o’clock on Sunday evening fire broke out in a straw shed belonging to the Caledonian Railway Company, situated near the Norwegian berth, on the north side of the docks. The dock hose was speedily procured, and a constable was conspicuous in his efforts to confine the fire to the shed until the appearance of the fire engine. The fire brigade turned out promptly, and were soon on the scene, but not before the shed was in full blaze, a stack of battens and a railway waggon having also caught fire. After the fire engine got to work, however, the fire was soon subdued. The shed, a wooden structure, which was well filled with straw, was completely gutted, and the damage is estimated at about £250, which, we understand, is covered by insurance. The cause of the fire is unknown.
– Falkirk Herald, Saturday 10th March, 1906, p.5.
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MAN KILLED ON THE RAILWAY.
About five o’clock yesterday morning the driver of the engine of the workmen’s train, on leaving the engine shed at Loch Leven Station, observed the decapitated body of a man, apparently about 50 years of age, on the down line near the signal cabin. It is supposed that the deceased had been run over by the express from Edinburgh to Perth, which passed shortly before. Later in the day the body was identified as that of a miner named William Craven, who resided in Curate Wynd, Kinross. He leaves a widow and family.
– Dundee Courier, Tuesday 13th March, 1906, p.4.
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RAILWAY COLLISION ON SPEYSIDE.
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PASSENGER TRAIN RUN DOWN.
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NARROW ESCAPE OF PASSENGERS.
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While a passenger train was standing at the Carron Station on the Speyside branch of the Great North of Scotland Railway yesterday morning, and engine, with snow plough attached, which had been engaged in clearing the line of snow, dashed into the train with considerable force. The passengers had a narrow escape from serious injury. The train left Craigellachie for Boat of Garten at 10.15 a.m., and arrived at Carron Station shortly before 11 o’clock. The usual stoppage was made at the station platform. Suddenly the passengers heard the shrill whistling of an approaching engine, which, a few seconds later, struck the engine of the standing train with terrific force. The snow plough borne by the colliding engine was smashed to atoms, and the front portions of both engines were more or less damaged. A horse box, which was attached to the tender of the standing engine, fared badly, the buffers of the tender completely smashing the front of the vehicle. The end of the coach was likewise smashed in its turn and the horse box staved in the walls of the following guard’s van. Damage was also done to the passenger vehicles, including the smashing of several windows. The drivers and firemen of both engines were not seriously hurt, and, considering the force of the impact, their escape is a marvellous piece of good luck.
The driver of the engine bearing the snow plough was William George, residing at Fife-Keith, and the fireman Duncan Macbeth, also of Fife-Keith. Mr William Copeland, the permanent way inspector, was also on the engine. Both Copeland and the fireman succeeded in jumping clear before the engines collided. The driver remained on the footplate, and was hurled against the tender, a portion of the coals falling on him. When extricated it was found that he was bruised about the legs and head, fortunately only slightly. The driver of the stationary engine was Alexander Macdonald, the fireman John Mitchell, the brakesman George Meldrum, and the guard Macpherson, all of Boat of Garten. The four were little hurt. The collision occurred with such force that the passengers were greatly shaken. They were hurled from side to side of the carriages and into violent contact with one another. A man looking out of the carriage window, who was said to be a surfaceman, was badly cut about the head. The four passengers in the compartment next the engine were Mr J. F. Cumming, distiller, Aberlour; Mr Law, distillery manager, Aberlour; Mr Clarke, commercial traveller, Aberdeen; and Mr J. B. Mair, chief constable of Elginshire, and all four gentlemen escaped with a severe shaking.
The cause of the accident is not known with definiteness. The driver of the engine bearing the snow plough is alleged to have made the statement that on approaching Carron he found the “distant” signal lowered, and thereupon he concluded that he was to run through the station, but he was unable to draw up his engine in time to avoid a collision when he found that the “home” signal was against him.
– Aberdeen Press and Journal, Tuesday 13th March, 1906, p.4.
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Sad Fatality at Uddingston.
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BOY KILLED – VANMAN BADLY INJURED.
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A painful driving accident, unfortunately attended with fatal results, occurred about 7 o’clock last night on Jack’s Road, Uddingston, close to the bridge which carries the road across the North British Railway.
Thomas Vassie, vanman, residing at Alpine Terrace, drives the bread van belonging to the Uddingston Co-operative Society, and in the delivery of the bread was assisted by a van-boy named Hugh McLellan, a bright young lad of 16 years, the son of an ex-policeman who resides at 2 Gardiner Terrace, Crofthead Street. About 7 o’clock last night, Vassie, accompanied by his van-boy, was driving the van along Jack’s Road, when, just as the vehicle approached the N.B. Railway bridge, the horse suddenly took fright at a passing train and bolted. The lad McLellan was thrown violently fromthe van to the ground, and alighting on his head, he was instantaneously killed.
The vanman, Vassie, escaped with several bruises of a more or less serious nature. When the horse bolted he was also thrown from the van, but, fortunately, he alighted on the animal’s back, from which he slid uninjured to the ground. His feet then became entangled in the reins, however, and before he could get out of the way the wheels of the vehicle passed over both his legs, bruising them pretty severely. The injured man, who had also received slight bruises on various other parts of the body, was conveyed with all possible speed to his home at Alpine Terrace, where his injuries were dressed by Dr Crawford.
The body of the unfortunate lad McLellan was afterwards examined by Dr Crawford, who was of opinion that death must have been instantaneous, the neck having been broken by the violence with which the boy’s head had struck the frost-bound ground. Widespread sympathy is expressed for the bereaved parents, who are well known and highly respected throughout the village.
– Hamilton Herald and Lanarkshire Weekly News, Wednesday 14th March, 1906, p.6.
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SHORTLY before six o’clock last evening a porter on duty at Portobello Railway Station found a parcel lying on the floor of the lavatory of the first-class ladies’ waiting-room, which was found to contain the dead body of a female child of a few days old.
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SHOCKING ACCIDENT IN GLASGOW. – A shocking accident occurred at St Enoch Station, Glasgow, last night, Mrs Duff, widow, about fifty-five years of age, residing at 964 Gladstone Street, Govan Road, Govan, was standing amongst a crowd of pe4ople on No. 2 platform, seeing friends off to Ardrossan, and just as the train was leaving she fell between the platform and the carriages. After the train had moved out, she was carried to the parcel office and then removed to the Infirmary, where it was found that her right arm and right leg were completely crushed, and will have to be amputated.
– Scotsman, Thursday 15th March, 1906, p.4.
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RAILWAY TRAGEDY NEAR DUNDEE.
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WOMAN’S AWFUL DEATH.
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RUN OVER BY EXPRESS.
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Terrible Affair at Invergowrie.
A distressing railway fatality took place this afternoon at Invergowrie Station, a woman named Mrs Soutar meeting with a terrible death.
It appears that Mrs Soutar, instead of crossing the bridge, went by the line at the level crossing. The 4.5 train from Dundee was just due, as was also the 3.57 express from Perth, and Mrs Soutar, according to the officials, had evidently been looking in the opposite direction from the train approaching from Perth.
The driver of the express train saw the woman on the line, and used his whistle, but the speed was so great that he could not possibly draw up in time. The result was that the woman was run over and terribly mutilated.
Mrs Soutar, who is a widow between 50 and 60 years of age, resided at Invergowrie.
– Dundee Evening Telegraph, Thursday 15th March, 1906, p.3.
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A fatal accident occurred on Monday at the Yoker Station of the North British Railway. Wm. Morrison, the stationmaster there, was attending to shunting operations about five o’clock in the evening, when he was struck by an Helensburgh down train on the head, and instantaneously killed. Mr Morrison, who was about forty-five years of age, was well known in the district, having been at Yoker for sixteen years, and considerable regret id felt by a large number of friends and acquaintances in the neighbourhood at his violent and untimely end. He leaves a widow and three of a family.
– Kilmarnock Herald and North Ayrshire Gazette, Friday 16th March, 1906, p.6.
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RAILWAY ACCIDENT. – On Monday forenoon at the Chemical siding, Bathgate, while engaged removing sleepers from a waggon, John Rutherford, who resides at Russell’s Row, had his left leg fractured a little above the ankle by one of them falling on the leg. He was conveyed to Edinburgh Infirmary by the one o’clock train from Bathgate Upper Station. Mr Rutherford, who had reached the age of three score and ten years, bore up wonderfully well, under the adverse circumstances.
– West Lothian Courier, Friday 16th March, 1906, p.4.
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MAN FALLS UNDER A TRAIN AT STIRLING STATION.
An accident took place at Stirling Station last night. On the arrival of the mail at 11 o’clock, Alexander Eadie, 28, baker, residing at Princes Street, Stirling, stepped out on the platform before the train had stopped, and was thrown on the rails between two carriages. His left foot was run over, necessitating the amputation of the toes at the Royal Infirmary, where he was removed. ERadie is doing fairly well this morning.
– Edinburgh Evening News, Friday 16th March, 1906, p.4.
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WOMAN DECAPITATED ON THE RAILWAY. – An Invergowrie woman named Mrs Souter was killed at the railway station there yesterday afternoon by being run over. She crossed the line when two trains one of them an express, were approaching, and was cut down by the express before the driver could stop. The body was literally cut to pieces.
– Edinburgh Evening News, Friday 16th March, 1906, p.8.
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Mrs Duff, of 964 Gladstone Place, Govan, who was severely injured at St. Enoch Station, Glasgow, on Wednesday night by falling between the platform and the Ardrossan train as it was moving out of the station, died yesterday in the Infirmary. She was about fifty years of age.
– Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette, Friday 16th March, 1906, p.3.
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CLYDE AND KELVIN IN FLOOD.
During the twenty-four hours ending at ten o’clock on Saturday forenoon the rainfall in Glasgow amounted to 1.14 inches. The Clyde and Kelvin were both in heavy spate on Friday night. On the North British Railway the Clydebank section was flooded by the bursting of a sewer, and for a time the trains were run by way of Kilbowie. The Caledonian underground railway suffered most in the eastern district of the city. At Dalmarnock the water rose a considerable distance above the rails, and early on Saturday the line was flooded as far west as Bridgeton Cross. There was no suspension of traffic, but the running of the trains was, of course, considerably impeded. The District Subway in the Kelvinbridge neighbourhood, was also invaded by water, although traffic was not interfered with. The weather during the greater part of Saturday was fair, and yesterday was an ideal spring day.
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RAILWAY BRIDGE CARRIED AWAY AT BALLACHULISH.
The storm of wind and rain during Friday night was very severely felt in the Ballachulish and Glencoe districts of Argyll. The rainfall for the twenty-four hours ending 9 A.M. on Saturday, as recorded by Mr Mason, of St John’s School, reached the phenomenal figure of 3.99 inches. During the height of the storm the railway bridge over the river Laroch was carried away. Huge boulders were carried down like pebbles, and it is supposed that these, together with the tremendous scour of the river, undermined the foundations of the bridge. This unfortunate accident will prevent for a time the loading of slates by rail from the great Ballachulish slate quarries, but as there are excellent facilities for dispatch by water, it is not anticipated that the industry will suffer.
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GREAT DAMAGE TO THE INVERGARRY RAILWAY.
Some idea of the phenomenal rainfall which took place throughout western Inverness-shire may be gauged from the fact that at Fort-William the registered depth for the twenty-four hours ended 9 A.M. on Saturday totalled up to within a fraction of three inches, representing about three hundred tons of water to the acre. As a natural consequence, considerable inundations took place in the district, and the rivers Spean, Lochy, and Nevis overflowed their banks, flooding large tracts of arable and pastoral land, and washing away many trees, brushwood, &c. The most serious damage reported, however, occurred on the Invergarry and Fort-Augustus Railway, in the neighbourhood of Letterfinlay, where two large sections of the line have been washed away by the enormous rush of water down the hillside. In consequence of this mishap, no traffic took place over the system on Saturday, and a number of passengers, including the Duke of Portland, who was travelling to Invergarry, had to drive to their respective destinations. The affected part of the railway runs on a side cutting along Loch Lochy, and is exposed to the full force of the down-rushing water from the hill above. The flood caused by the excessive rainfall and the melted snow carried everything before it, and the public road, which also runs along the lochside at a lower level, was very much damaged, and rendered impassable with hundreds of tons of silt carried down from above. During Saturday and Sunday large squads of workmen were engaged at clearing and repairing the line, and the officials are hopeful of being able to resume traffic to-day. Considerable expense will be entailed on the local authorities in the matter of opening up the roads, which in parts have been entirely obliterated. It is worthy of note that while on Wednesday the temperature was as low as 11, that recorded during the rainstorm was as high as 52 degs.
– Scotsman, Monday 19th March, 1906, p.7.
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RAILWAY FATALITY IN BUCHAN. – An accident resulting in the death of Mr James Gray, foreman surfaceman, residing at Ellon Station, occurred yesterday afternoon on the railway between Ellon and Arnage, at a point opposite Nethermill, Turnerhall. Gray was proceeding along the line towards Arnage, when he was overtaken by the passenger train which left Ellon at 1.34. Death had been instantaneous.
– Scotsman, 20th March, 1906, p.5.
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A platelayer named Docherty was on Monday working near Newton railway Bridge, in the vicinity of Newton Station, on the Caledonian Railway, when he failed to observe the approach of the 2 p.m. Glasgow to London express. Docherty was struck by the engine and killed instantaneously. Deceased, who had only come from Ireland a fortnight ago, Monday being his first day on the railway line, leaves a widow and three children.
– Perthshire Advertiser, Wednesday 21st March, 1906, p.7.
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UNFORTUNATE MISHAP AT THE RAILWAY STATION. – An unfortunate mishap occurred at Larbert Railway Station about half-past eight o’clock on Saturday night. Joseph Robb, 17 years of age, a number taker, residing at Burnside Place, Tryst Road, Stenhousemuir, was standing at the office door on the up-platform when he noticed that the handle of a compartment in the Edinburgh train about to leave was not properly turned. He ran across the platform and tried to securely fasten the door while the train was in motion, but he slipped and fell between the platform and the train. Mr Mark Robertson, assistant stationmaster, noticed the mishap, and he promptly signalled to the driver of the train to stop. Before this could be done, however, the lad Robb had been dragged some thirty feet, and he was found lying between the platform and the rails, fortunately clear of the wheels. He was carried into one of the station rooms, and it was very apparent that he had been seriously injured. Dr McKenzie, Stenhousemuir, was summoned, and attended to the injured lad. Robb’s right leg was broken above the ankle, and his forehead bore a nasty wound. He was also badly bruised about the body, and after his injuries had been dressed he was conveyed to Stirling Royal Infirmary.
– Falkirk Herald, Wednesday 21st March, 1906, p.8.
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FATAL RESULT OF AN ACCIDENT. – On Friday forenoon of last week Duncan Bryce, pug engine-driver, residing in North Jackson Street, and employed by the Langloan Iron and Chemical Company, met with an accident by being crushed between a pug engine and the engine shed. He was attended to by Dr James McKay, who found him to be suffering from internal injuries, and ordered his removal to the Alexander Hospital. Bryce, who was 42 years of age, succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday morning.
– Coatbridge Leader, Saturday 24th March, 1906, p.4.
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ACCIDENT ON THE RAILWAY.
Shortly after the arrival of the 11.5 train from Glasgow at Princes Pier Station on Saturday night a goods guard observed a man lying on his back on the railway on the side furthest from the platform. It was seen that his left hand was severely injured, and he was conveyed to the Infirmary. The man gave the name of Thomas Pirie (presser), residing at 27 Alice Place Paisley. He stated that he left Glasgow for Paisley with the last train but was carried on to Greenock. Thinking he had arrived at his destination he opened the carriage door at the wrong side, stepped out, and fell on the line. A light engine passed by about the time, and it is thought it caused his injuries.
– Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette, Monday 26th March, 1906, p.2.
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SUDDEN DEATH OF A DENTIST. – A dentist named John Forbes, residing at 8 Claremont Terrace, Edinburgh, became unconscious on Saturday night while travelling on the railway from Hawick to Edinburgh. On arrival of the train at Waverley Station, he was taken to the Royal Infirmary, but he died before he reached that institution.
– Edinburgh Evening News, Monday 26th March, 1906, p.4.
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FATAL RAILWAY ACCIDENT AT GUTHRIE.
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PORTER’S SHOCKING DEATH.
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On Saturday afternoon a sad accident occurred at Guthrie Railway Station, as the result of which a young man named John Walker (19) lost his life. It appears that just as the 4.10 p.m. train from Forfar to Arbroath had left the down platform, Walker, who is a porter at the station, was seen on t6he footboard of one of the carriages. He retained his footing for about 130 yards, and when ten yards from the end of the platform he endeavoured to jump clear of the moving train, but he missed his footing, and, falling back on the footboard, was carried beyond the platform. The guard, William Kerr, on observing the occurrence immediately applied the brakes and stopped the train but not before the unfortunate porter had been run over. When extricated from the wheels it was found that both Walker’s legs were severed between the knee and the ankle, one being completely off and the other hanging by a shred.
Mr James Donaldson, clerk, Kerr the guard, and others with a knowledge of ambulance work gave the injured porter every attention, as the result of which he was probably saved from bleeding to death on the spot. Walker was removed to Forfar Infirmary, where Dr Peterkin examined the injured man. From the first, however, no hopes were entertained for his recovery, and he succumbed about seven o’clock.
– Dundee Courier, Monday 26th March, 1906, p.4.
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RAILWAY FATALITY AT ABERDEEN.
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SIGNALMAN KILLED AT HIS CABIN.
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James Duncan, signalman in the employment of the Great North of Scotland Railway Company and stationed at Kittybrewster, Aberdeen, was last night, almost opposite his cabin, knocked down and run over by an engine of a passing goods train, and so severely injured about the head that he died within a few minutes of the accident. The unfortunate man, who resided in Erskine Street, was married, and leaves five of a family.
– Dundee Courier, Tuesday 27th March, 1906, p.5.
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LOAD OF ESK MILLS COTTON DESTROYED. – On Saturday afternoon about two tons weight of cotton, belonging to Messrs J. & W. Stuart, Esk Mills Net Factory, Musselburgh, was destroyed under peculiar circumstances. A lorry belonging to Messrs John Hickman and Son, contractors, Musselburgh, was conveying the cotton in bales from Leith to Musselburgh along Seafield Road, near Portobello, when the cotton was set on fire by a spark from the engine of a goods train on the South Leith branch of the North British Railway, which skirts the road. Firemen from Portobello and London Road turned out, but eight out of nine bales were destroyed, and the lorry much burned. The damage is estimated at about £100.
– Musselburgh News, Friday 30th March, 1906, p.4.
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ACCIDENT TO A KILSYTH WOMAN. – About seven o’clock on Monday night, while Mrs Docherty, Newtown Street, Kilsyth, was, along with a friend from Glasgow, crossing the overhead footbridge at Kirkintilloch Railway Station she fell. In her fall she descended several steps, and her head came in contact with the bridge. Members of the station ambulance corps, who picked up the woman, found she was quite unconscious and had sustained two serious cuts on the forehead. They rendered first aid, and the woman was subsequently attended to by Drs W. Whitelaw and Stewart. Mrs Docherty was sent home in the eight train.
– Kilsyth Chronicle, Friday 30th March, 1906, p.2.
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SERIOUS ACCIDENT AT POLMONT GOODS STATION. – On Tuesday forenoon a serious accident occurred at the Polmont Goods Station at Redding. It appears that a number of surfacemen were working in one of the many side lines that exist at the station when a goods train, which was engaged in shunting, dispatched three waggons into the siding in which the surfacemen were working. Neither of the guards had noticed that the surfacemen were there, and as the men, who numbered five, were in a stooping position at their work, with their back in the direction in which the waggons were coming, they also did not see the approaching danger, until one of their number heard the sound of the waggons approaching. He at once jumped clear of the rails, at the same time shouting to his comrades. Unfortunately it was too late, the result being that three of the men were knocked down by the waggons. Two of the men were injured, namely, John Carlaw, 58 years of age, and James Lochart, Carlaw being most seriously injured, as the waggons had passed over his right leg. Dr Wyse, who was immediately in attendance, ordered Carlaw’s removal to the Edinburgh Infirmary, to which institution he was at once conveyed by special engine and van. On arrival there, and after examination, it was found necessary to amputate the foot above the ankle. The other man, whose injuries are not considered so serious, was removed to his home at Laurieston.
– Falkirk Herald, Saturday 31st March, 1906, p.3.
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AN UNFORTUNATE SLEEP. – A presser named James Perry, residing in Alice-street, met with a nasty accident at Princes Pier Station late on Saturday evening. While asleep, he was carried past his destination, and on leaving the train at Greenock he stumbled on to the up-line. While in the act of grasping the rail to raise himself, the wheel of a passing engine went over his hand.
– Paisley & Renfrewshire Gazette, Saturday 31st March, 1906, p.4.
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FATAL RESULT OF AN ACCIDENT. – Many in Keith and district will hear with feelings of regret of the death of Mr William McKay, eldest son of the late Mr Peter McKay, Lockers, Keith, and only brother of Mr George McKay, Lockers, which took place as the result of an accident near Coatbridge Station. Deceased who, before leaving for Glasgow, was in the employment of Messrs Wordie and Co., carters, Keith, was a railway guard, and he was run over in the course of shunting operations. He was immediately removed to Glasgow Infirmary, but his injuries were of so serious a nature that he succumbed the following morning – 7th March. He leaves a widow and a young family of six children to mourn his loss, and in their sudden bereavement they have received many expressions of sympathy from friends in this locality and where they reside.
– Banffshire Herald, Saturday 31st March, 1906, p.4.