Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-08-02


Last evening about 7:3O O'Clock a collision
took place on the Alexandria and Fredericks-
burg railroad between Accotink and Lorton,
about IL miles from Washington. by which
jeremiah Desmond Of this city was killed and
number OF person were injured. The collid-
ing trains were one from the south and another
which left here at 6:21 pm. The latter was
under orders to enter the switch at Lorton. the
north-bound train having the right of way. The
south-bound train, in charge of Conductor R. E.
MURDOCH, with Engineer Jere Desmond, left here
at 6:21, but was detained some minutes beyond
schedule time at Alexandria, and was running
fast, endeavoring to make up the lost time and
reach the switch on season. In this they failed,
however, and the north bound train. having
passed Lorton, the two trains
CAME TOGETHER WITH A FEARFUL. CRASH
about mile this side of the switch. The fronts
OF both engines were smashed and the cars of
both trains badly wrecked. Owing to the
curves in the track, although it was still day.
iight, neither approaching train was visible to
the men on the other. On the south bound
train Engineer Jere Desmond was at his place.
and Fireman Ahern, sighting the approach
ing tram, called to the engineer and then
jumped from the engine. As he jumped the
engineer exclaimed: WHAT" About this time
some OF the train hands noticed Conductor
murdoch with his watch in his hand and look
OF dlsmay on his face. Taking the cue of dan
ger ahead Brakemen Garnet and Kienger
jumped just as the trains came together and
were followed at once by Conductor Murdoch
and Baggage Master Powell. all escaping safely
except the latter, VIII had his leg broken Just
above the ankle, and Mr.. Garnett, who was
somewhat bruised.
CRUSHED TO DEATH.
The tender of the south-bound engine was
thrown entirely above the cab, catching En-
gineer Desmond beneath it, crushing him to
DEATH
The north-bound train was in charge of Con-
ductor w. E: Newman and Engineer Black.
The train hands, including Engineer Black
all escaped by jumping, with the exception Of
Conductor Newman, who had his head badly
cut and was in ured in the back Some of the
passengers were badly shaken up, the most
seriously injured being Mrs. MAXINE of Fred
was also bruised.
A NARROW ESCAPE.
The three children of Detective Wheeler of
this city had a narrow escape. They were pas
sengers on the south-bound train going to
Woodbridge. When they got on the train at
the depot they started in the front car, but
their father told them to get in the rear car
as it was safer. They did as they were told
and started on their journey in the rear car.
When the collision occurred the front car was
badly wrecked.
The wreck was cleared away last evening by
number of hands taken down by Engineer Nc
Keever.
THE BODY OF MIR. DESMOND
was brought here and taken to his residence on
ID street southwest this morning. He leaves a
wife and seven children of his own and one Of
a deceased brother he had taken to raise.
Desmond lived some time in Alexandria
where he was born. He did not see the south
ern train until it was close upon him. "JumpI'
halloed the fireman. "What for?" said Des-
mond. The fireman jumped and death an
swered Desmond's question. The train had
killed him before he saw it.