| From the Richmond Dispatch |
| |
| June 4, 1862 |
| |
| Railroad Accident |
| As the large and powerful locomotive
J. R. Anderson {from the Virginia Central
RR?} was ascending, on yesterday about 5 o'clock, the heavily
graded track that connects the depots of the Petersburg and
Fredericksburg roads, on Eighth street, two of the rear cars became
detached just before reaching St. Peter's Cathedral, and, as a matter
of course, rolled back ward at a fearful rate of speed. The
concussion, when the descending ears struck against those in front of
the drawbridge over the Canal, was terrific. Many of them were ladened
with railroad material, such as car wheels, &c., and were well
capable of withstanding any but the enormous pressure brought into
requisition against them. The car next to the bridge was forced with
great violence against the draw over the Canal, which was, with its
supports, thrown down, the broken fragments nearly wrecking a boat
loaded with stone, just then passing into the basin. The fronts of
some five or six freight cars and flats were also broken, and rendered
worthless until repaired. Iron bumpers were crushed, heavy bolts
snapped, and massive wood beams crushed with apparently the greatest
facility. Owing to the reprehensible habit of jumping on the cars
while in motion, indulged in by some people here, two persons will
probably lose their lives. A young man named Totty, whose parents are
said to reside on Brook Avenue, and who belongs to Johnson's artillery
company, had ensconced himself in one of the cars for the sake of a
ride, had both of his legs badly broken below the knees, and was borne
into the framed tenement below the Spotswood House, where his wounds
were dressed. He was conveyed home suffering terribly. A lad named
Joseph Lowry, who had taken passage on the platform of the rear car,
was thrown between two of them when the collision took place, and had
both of his legs cut off below the knees. His skull was also
fractured. Whatever kindness could suggest was done to alleviate his
misery. After a time he was borne off on a litter in the direction of
Byrd Island Hospital, but we learn he died before being carried more
than a square. |
|