National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-12-08
RAILROAD ACCIDENT.

\ NUMBER OF WASHINGTONIANS IN
JURED.
A railroad accident occurred yesterday morning
on the Virginia Midland, formerly the Orange
railroad. which, although not attended by fatal
results, caused number of ugly bruises and
long and tiresOme delay to the passengers. The
train, consisting of baggage, two passenger cars
and one Pullman sleeper, left Richmond at the
usual hour the previous night, having on board.
among other passengers, the District Knights
Templars, who were returning from their visit to
New Orleans. After being on the road for some
time, the engineer. Mr.. Charles Domaine, discOy-
cred that his fOrce-punp was out Of order. He
continued on, however, until about o'clock, at
which time he was within mile of Rapidan sta
ton. Here he stopped the train, and with the
fireman alighted and attempted TO repair the
This spot, one Of the worst on the road, is
known as the Sj-foOt grade from the fact that
within a short space of four or five miles the
grade Is very heavy. Near by it, too, is an ugly
curve through a deep cut. The train had not
been standing long when the engineer heard the
whistle Of an approaching freight train through
the gap. He states that he at once sprang on
his engine and opened the Unbelievable for the
purpose Of attempting to escape by flight, but he
was too late. Before he got under Way the en-
CINE OF the other train was half way through the
Pullman sleeper, and the other cars were go mixed
up that one could hardly have known in which
car they were. The passengers who had been
sleeping peacefully were awakened by the con-
cussion and thrown from their betths to the floor
many Of them wounded and bleeding. Taking in
the situation at glance, most of them attempted
at once to extrcate themselves, and soon all were
on the ground. Now comes curious and thrill
ing portion ef the story.
The conclusion had entirely broken tho plat
form OF the car next the sleeper, and they were
consequently detached, And il had also so he
alleges, thrown the engineer from his position
down deep embankment, not, however, before
the train was in motion, with the Unbelievable
open and full head of steam AMI on went the
unwrecked portion faster and faster. Ast5Undel
ana DeHldered at this, the passengers at ones
began to pull the bell rope, but TO their frantic
eforrs w. w. "%@ no response, and on went the
passengers was Mr.. James Kamp, an engineer OF
The Baltimore and Ohio railroad, and he, diYin-
ing that the engineer had been killed, LEFT his
scat, eraWled thrQuSh apd oveE cars until he had
reached and stopped the runaway engine after it
had Travelled about five miles, and with 1t re-
turned TO tn Q station. Three Of the cars OF the
freight train were upset. and three beeyes killed.
The village was soon appTised Of tho fact and
helping hands were soon about ministering to the
needs Of the wounded. Among the more notice
able of these good Samaritans were DIR. y. q.
Conway OF Rapidan who dressed all the wounds
without charge, and Mrs. CObell, of the same
village, who kindly and generously furnished
them with meals.
Helm was soon secured and the work of clearing
the wreck entered upon, but it was p. IN. when
the party, sore and excited, reached this city,
thankful, however, II was no worse.
The casualties are reported as follows: &. ".
Payne, Of Tennaliytown, three cuts 10 the head
and back; Mr.. J. w. Bowers, of Baltimore, cut
IL luC lVltIlS10 VNSL lCAG SgG- II. u bObclCEs Vi
this city, badly bruised in several places Thomas
l.. Titus, Of PhiIiipsburg, n. j., hurt inwardly;
Phil Wilson, Of WASHINGTON, bruised in the neck
and shoulders; James Howard, Of Washington,
badly hurt in the back: !. Y. Potts, OF WASHING
ton, cut in the forehead and 4 beautiful black
eye.
Mr.. Charles ShafIer, of Richmond, was the most
severely injured of the party, being seriously
wounded about the head and face. This gentle
man as on his bridal tour, out luckily his wife
escaped without injury.
The engineer OF the stock train, Mr.. George NJ.
Keys, says that as soon as he noticed the train
ahead Of his own he reversed his engine, but it
was too late to do any good. lie, however, stood
to his post, and after the accident did all in his
power 10 aid the others,