The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-01-22
A RAILROAD COLLISION.

The New Haven Express Runs Into .
Harlem Train in the Yorkvillo Tun-
. nel-Onc Passenger Badly Injured
Who II to Blame, the Harlem Con.
ductor or the New Haven Engineers
collision took place yesterday morning in the
tunnel on the Harlem Railroad at Ninety second
street that resulted in the destruction of the plat
forms Of two railroad cars aud the injury OF three
passengers 1t appears that shortly before nine yes
te-day morning heavy blast was made near
Eighty nth street by the workmen employed on
the new Harlem grade and some portions OF the
rock scattered around by the force Of the blast
Distracted the track. Information was imme-
diately telegraphed to the junction with the Hud-
son River line to stop the trains until
the road was cleared At that time In
the morning the trains run pretty close to-
getber, and, consequently, extra precautton is
necessary TO avoid accident. Four trains were de.
layed at the junction and finally left that station
as folows:-New Haven train, four minutes past
nine; New York Central train, twenty minutes
nine and new Haven express twenty. seven min.
utes to ten. The New Haven train that left at four
minutes past nine on arriving at Eghty-seventh
street slowed down and passed over the track
without striking the loose rocks lying around
The New York Central train that followed was not
nearer the ground, were unable to clear q large
rock thai lay alongside the track, and the train
was consequently stopped. The conductor finding
! adelay unavoidable sent back man along the
mel at Ninety second street, to warn the
Harlem train that there was danger ahead. Imme-
diately the engineer on the Harlem train exploded
the torpedo he whisted 'D0wn brakes ~ and
brought the train to stop with couple Of cars
inside the tunnel few minutes afterward an
otner train was heard rumbling along through the
tunnel and an immediate rush was made by the
psrs q the train All had nearly passed through
when the New Haven Express going about three
quarters Of Its usual speed dashed into the rear
general panic, as all the passengers in
the Harlem train were pretty roughly shaken,
and, in the darkness OF the tunnel imagined
were. Mr.. Robert +. Lsiinitz, OF No 20 East l2sth
street, was just In the act OF passing nom the rear
thrown down on the platform BY the violence Of
the Shock, got his foot TANNED between the cars
the German Hospital on Seventy eighth street,
and placed In the surgical ward Of that institution.
found In hts leg. Just above the ankle and the foot
was crushed into shapeiess pulp.
2. The superintendent Of the New York Central
Railroad was engaged all yesterday afternoon
hearing the evidence OF the different conductors
and engineers, with view to discovering VINO
the Harlem train states that the collision occurred
80 soon after his train was stopped that he did not
have time 70 SEND back and give the proper warn
ing 70 the New Haven express. This statement,
however, appears strange aud inconsistent after
taking into consideration the time OF departure of
the trains nom the junction. The New YORK Cen
trail train left at twenty minutes past nine,
and was followed by the Harlem at twenty
minutes difference Of time between them.
The New York Central conductor however.
found time TO send back on the line and place the
torpedo warning the Harlem train Of danger.
The Harlem train left the junction at twenty-five
minutes past nine and the New Haven train at
eleven Minutes and yet the Harlem conductor
states that the collision occurred 80 soon after
they stopped that he had no time 20 warn the ex-
press. 1T Is understood, however, that searching
investlRation viii be made into the cause OF the
accident as although II resulted In only lew
INJURIES TO the passengers, there might nave oeen
fearful loss OF life. al ....ti ~