The Sun.
London, England, 1844-07-24 00:00:00

ANOTHER ACCOUNT.

Last evening an accident, attended with an appalling sa-
crifice of human life, occurred at Blackfriart-bridge, by the
giving way of the temporary pier used for the accommoda-
tion of steam-boat passengers. The following particulars
relative to the melancholy accident, collected from authentic
sources, may be relied upon for their accuracy, although,
owing to the excitement that prevailed, the greatest diffi-
culty was experienced in obtaining them The time the occurrence took place was as near eight as
possible, at which hour the " dumb lighter," and the steps
covering the barges leading to it, were crowded by people
assembled there for the purpose, principally, of viewing the
Bankside regatta. The great majority of these, however,
were children and young girls. Upon the " dumb lighter"
about 50 persons, nearly all females, had taken their station
for the purpose of going aboard the iron steam-boats, as the
men on duty at the pier suppose, but which some of those
rescued state was to have a better view of the boat-race. At
the time stated above the last heat was being rowed, the
river was covered with boats, and the lower side of
the bridge lined with people—all at once those who were
gazing at the men racing had their attention drawn
to the City side of the bridge by hearing a loud crash,
as of timbers breaking, followed by shrieks of a most
heart-rending nature. All eyes were turned to the spot,
and a most appalling spectacle was presented to the
people. The steps uniting the steps of the bridge with the
dumb lighter, were found to have given way, and nearly the
whole of those who a moment before were all joy and glad-
ness, were seen struggling in the water. The shock was so
violent, that many on the dumb lighter forming the pier
were shook off, and being high water, and principally fe-
males, they clung to each others dresses and shrieked for
aid. To describe the consternation and terror which pre-
vailed is impossible, and for a minute those who could render
assistance were so panic-struck that they were not able to do
so. The first intimation of assistance was the boats which
had followed those racing, crossing the river to the scene,
and several were rescued by them. The drags were imme-
diately put in use, and several persons were recovered by
those means, and were removed to the Glaziers' Anus, in
Water-lane, where Mr. Hutchinson, of Farringdon-street,
the surgeon to the police force, was in attendance, and by
great exertion succeeded in restoring many apparently
dead, who were subsequently removed in cabs to their own
residences.

When the excitement consequent on the first shock of the
accident had a little subsided, the watermen and others com-
menced dragging, and in a few minutes the bodies of two
young girls were brought up, one apparently about sixteen,
and the other some years her junior. They were removed
to the Glaziers' Arnie, and here a most painful scene took
place--,-they were recognised by their parents, Mr. and Mrs.
Breadcot, residing in Newgate-market,. who iad been saved
from a similar fate, as two out of three children who were
with them when the accident happened. Mr. Hutchinson
tried to restore them to life, but from the time they had been
under water, his services were of ne avail. In an hour after
the body qra remarkably fine little boy, about four or live
years of age, was found. near some coal barges lying of
Messrs. Eddington's wharf. It was carried to the same noose;
and .was immediatelr identified as the third 'child of Mr.

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