Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1885-02-26
c44roOas,s FAqAL onosslss.
Fhe Philadelphia Express Crashes
Into a Ugrrfage--Fhe Safety Satc
Frozen.

Fhe PhtladeIph,a Express Crashei
Into Ugrrfage--rhe Safety tsat,
Frozen.
Kate Mahoney, young Irish woman
WHO was empnyeo ~ d mset,c io IT,,
family OF George Sellsrs, At Ridley PARK
was killed on the p, W. & B railroad, 81
Clsymon', last night week and her brother
Fhomss, who lives on the Clifton place,
which Is located at Ejge Moor and owned
BY the Sellers family, was terribly
injured.
During the day the unfortunate woman
paid visit to her brothers. family. de
was In this city attending N .Tket, snd
before returning home dr@IS several
elasses OF l.qu9r, but did not appear to be
intoxtoased. Late in the Afternoon, " d ell
his Sister expressed desire to return 10
Ridley Park, he offered to take hsr to
Ciaymont. The horse which he drove
was young and spirited, and had fte.
quently run away, and as they
approached the Claymont station
the animal became almost un-
manageable. It was now nearly
2 O'Clock aud the New York and
Washington express could ba heard in
the distance. By desperate effort
Mshoney succeeded in refining in the
beast until Rftsr the train had passed by.
Tnen, not being aware of the approach OF
the PhiladelphiA and New York express,
he undertook 10 pass over tae orossing.
The safety gate on the east side OF the
tracks Was down, but the west side gate
was open, Il having been frozen mp for
several days past. Gateman Joseph
Slaughter, however, stood near the latter
gate with his lantern. Nevertheless
Mahoney seemed to think the WY was
clear and continued driving towards the
railroad. As soon as he heard the m.
proaoh Of the vehicle, which was very
tApid, Slaughter began to swing hi,
lantern, and when the team resche,
lin, he selzsd the horse b.
she head, bat was Knocked dow
aud run over. Supposipg that the eas
side gate was open, Mahoney whipped u,
he horse and it madly sped to danger
When the closed gate was reached tht
frightened beist turned around apd
started to 60 up the railroad, but wa,
soon overtaken by the rapidly approach
ing train. The carriage was struck
with great force and crushed
to atoms, but the horse escaped injury.
Miss Mahoney was thrown beneath the |
train, instantly killed aud dragged plob- |
ably 5n yards. Her head was crushed |
snd her body and limbs were horribly
The brother was thrown sew
erAl feet and terribly injured. His head
was badly cut and he was severely hurt |
about the arms, legs and body. The train
was quickly stopped, and the wounded
man attended by DR.. Cardezk OF Clay
mont and DR.. Moat Of Philadslphia.
During the evening Deputy Coroner
Smith held an inquest. Numerous
witnesses were examined and the Jury
rendered . verdict that the woman's
ieath vas caused by the railroad
company negleoting to keep the safety
yates In proper order.
at midnight the corpse wss taken to
Jndertaker Palmer's establishment, in
his city, to be prepared for bu iRl, and
he wounded man was convey ed to the
}rand Union RoSel.
Mshopey has brother living in Phila-
ielphia and an sged and widowed mother
n Ireland.
hiss Mahoney's remains were in such
! shocking condition that look at them
Aused one OF the jurymsn to faint. She
will be taken to Philadelphia for burial.
1t ia highly probable that q suit TOR
IamaSes will be entered against the rail
Dad company, or that the matter in some
VSy will be compromised.