The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-02-08
TERRIFIC RAILROAD COLLISION.
Disastrous Results of one Freight Train
RunipE Into Another.

NEw BRUNSWICK, y. j.. Feb. AT 5 O'Clock
this morning an extra freight train from Philade'
phia, owing to broken truck stopped upon the
bridge over the Rsritsn River for repairs. While
waiting through Southern freight, which left
Philadelphia at 1890 O'Clock last night came
dashing along through the city, and not until
within 500 feet oil the extra did the engineer see H.
The brakes were applied TO no purpose. The engine
of the freight struck the caboose of the extra tee
scoped it, struck an OIL tank, OF which there were
four in the train, and explosion iolIo we'd
The burning oil ana wrecked cars were thrown
over and down from the high bridge into the
streets below. The burning oil raH through the
cutters down the streets into Ra3itan Canal. This
being covered with ice, the Oil ran over and down
the canal TO the wall paper manufacturing estab-
hshment oi Jeneway q Co. This was soon totally
DESTROYED, together with seven dwellings oppo-
site. In the immediate vicinity of the collision,
aud Just rnder the long bridge, was building
used as box factory by the Consolidated Fruit
Jar Company. This was destroyed, and the flames
then spread TO the main factory of the company.
which was also totally destroyed. By oclocG
this morning the flames were under control. The
woodwork OF the bridge was burned. The dam.
Engineer French and Fireman Harrison, of the
regular freight, jumped from the engine when
they saw the inevitable collision. and escaped
with but few bruises. A brakeman on the trout
OF TIE irsin. Frank Dumas OF Kensington. Pa,
failed TO jump, and was carried down In the
wfecksge into the street below and was roastei
TO death. Patrick Dougherty young mechanic
OF this city, foolishly entered the burning build
ing of Janeway x Co.. in search of tools, and has
not been set n since. IL is feared he. too became
victim OF the most terrible fire this city ever
bad. But for The Isv0ring wind. the whole man
uisctuIing part of the city would have been
destroyed AT DO point the whole road
could the accident have occurred at
disesilOuss place. The burning oil and cars were
literally poured over and flung upon the roofs OF
the manufacturing establishments Only bat
ieIeo locomotive and an uneXploded oil tanK
stsnd upon the track.
1t is now thought that two brskemen on the oil
train were also burned TO death.
The loss is estimated al between Ss01.000 and 81.
CO0tOc. Fire engines were sent 20 the aid of the
burning city from Elizabeth and Jersey City.
Oniy one span o. the bridge is damaged The
bridge ives the finest on the Pennsylvania Road
Ali travel on thar road is greatly delayed long
detours have TO be made
=, N The loss on Janeway Il Co.'S buildings,
stock and p'aDr 5s sl75.0O0 Insurance. Sol CO., Tue
Consolidated Frrft Jar Compsny's loss is S5O0. 600
July Injured. The loss by railroad can not De as
ceriained for lscx OF Willingness on the part OF
officials tc I'M part newy The loss dwelling
houfes ls Sl0cS0. The insurance Is distributed
among large number OF companies. The bridge
IS Lot weakened and trains are now running on
time.
One o. the burned buildings was stable con-
tanning number OF horses, ali OF which were
burned to death
The accident was caused by the csrelessness OF
ihe telegraph operator in not giving tue propar
signals On the east side OF Raritan.