The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1858-09-21
RAILROAD ACCIDENT,
Tteo lNea kiUcd--Fortg Cars destreged-- Giro
s'a1 ,.s 2. adagHicr Of Cattle.


'.- adagf'er Of Cattle.
At III o'clock on the morning of the 7th inst,
terrible accident occurred on the Hudson River
Railroad, at the Fishkill Station, by which two
men were almost instantly killed, and several others
badly injured. ,za..+ r
1t appears that on tic previous evening two I'M
mense trains eghted with cattle left Albany for
New York. At the time above mentioned the
first train reached Fshkill, when the engineer dls-
covered the axle-boxcs OF one Of the cars were al
most red-hot, and that in consequence it would be
1anoerous to proceed until the boxes could be
cooled Men were forthwith set to work to cool
the boxes ...r.s u fe ..E
Within 4. few minutes after the train had stop
ned a brak kcsman was ordered to take the signal OF
danger, a small red light, and run along the track
in order to warn the second train, which Was cont
ing ON at full speed. For greater safety, and to
prcchuac il possible, the occurrence otan aecidept
from the approaching train, the Conductor 81 the
first train ran back some distance, and placed three
torpedoes on the track, another signal OF danger
In a little time the train came laundering on--the
brakesman's signal with red light Tas answered
hv the engineer signaling the brakesmen to apply
the brakes Soon the torpedoes exploded, and an
other signal was given to apply all force to The
brakes This was done, but owing to the great
length Of the train and the speed which il was un-
der at the time the brakes proved OF but little
avail. and a frightfu collision was the result.
The first train was standing alongside the mach
! inc shop. This traa had one engine and number
! cd thirty five cars. The second train numbered
iorty-two cars, and was drawn by two powerful en-
! eines. The engines the moment they struck the
rear car Of the foremost train, were:tlroyn from
the track, and striking chimney some fifty feet
/ HIGH, connected with the machine shop, complete
! " demolished it. - tr.l.,
The cars of the second train were dashed Tor
ward, and some lay piled qnc en- the top OF an
other as high as the second story window Of the
machine shop. Quite large number Of cattle aud
hogs were killed, and many others so badly injured
that it was an act of mercy to kill them and put
an end to their suferings. Several large hulloeks
lay on top the debris, and one OK oimammoth pro-
portions was thrown half way into the second story
window Of the shop. Such of the swine as escaped
uniujured seemed quite unconcerned about the
matter, ard cxtricating themselves from the ruins,
we're soon aftcrward roofing along the road or wal
lowing in the mre . ~
The mass piled mp against the machine shop
reaches to the second story, and is composed OF
the remains of the locomotives pieces OF ears which
are torn into shreds, mixed with the bodies OF cat
tie sheep and hogs. Several hogs crawled from
under this pile, seemingly quite undjstGrhcd G2t
tie and parts Of cattle were streNn all along tbs
track, and We never Witnessed scene OF more
complete destruction, g.-.. .-. ..-#. ~. .gar