Morning journal and courier., 1889-08-30
STEAMER 2 OVERTURNED

And Driver Webster Dangerously Hurt-The Injured Man Taken Un-
 conscious to the HOspital-Much
 Excitement on Chapel street.-the
 Steamer Bisabled-Must Go Back 10
 the Builders For Repairs.
 When the alarm of fire was turned in from box 23 shortly after o'clock last evening, Charles B. Martin, the regular driver of steamer No. 9, was away from the house at supper. But the team was hitched to the engine in the usual short space of time and was away to the fire with substitute driver Stephen B. Webster on the drivers seat. He took the usual course to fires down State street, crossing the Court street bridge and rounding the corner into State street. He was forced into the horse car track by the excavation of the Southern New England Telephone company on the west side of the street, but succeeded in getting safely out ol the track before Chapel street was reached. The position of the street car rails at the cor ner of State and Chapel make it very dan- Rerous spot. The steamer rushed hesdlong toward the corner. The rear wheels caught in the curve which the cars take when going from Chapel to State street and the rear of the engine swung around and struck the rails that extend directly up and down Chapel in such man. ner that the ponderous machine turned over. The engineer was thrown off and escaped comparatively unharmed, but Driver Web ster went under the powerful engine. In an instant dozen men sprang to the horses heads and fifty men willingly assisted in fighting the heavy machine. Scalding water was scattered over the pavement, and the steamers supply of coal was left at the cor ner. But this was nothing compared with Webster's lot. When the machine was lifted from his body four men carefully bore him into Hewitt's drug store near the corner. Several doctors were hastily summoned. Web- ster was unconscious aud seemed in bad condition. Rean Thomas tenderly washed the injured mans face and supported his head. Dr. Elliott soon arrived and was quickly fol- lowed by Dr. Bellosa and Dr. O. Purdy Lindsley. After eursory examination the doctors thought the man was not seriously injured, but were fearful of what o more careful examination might reveal. The po- lice ambulance was summoned and Webster was taken to the hospital. He was still un- conscious when removed. A tremendous crowd soon surged about the drug store, but only the doctors and firemen were admitted to the store. the entrance to which was guarded by two stalwart policemen.
 Webster is the man who was injured at fire in the building in the rear of Prokasky's cafe few weeks ago. At that time the floor above him gave way and pile of debris came down upon him, cutting his head con- siderably. Only last Friday Webster had toe smashed by the exercise wagon, and last evenings accident seemed to follow in a chain of casualties.
 Engineer Sanger, who was on the rear of the engine at the time of the accident, was thrown headlong over the suction pipe on 4 Al~.. sI. ~f |. 1.rk rf. ous injury although badly shaken up.
 Steamer No. 2's men seem to have had 6 hard run of luck with their men lately. Ass sistant Engineer Samuel o. Nash is now laid off duty with badly mangled thumb, hurt while responding to an alarm of fire on the wharf @ few weeks ago. Substitute Driver Webster was appointed only few months resigned. MT. Cooper was with Fireman Hubbell on the ladder, who was killedat the, Farren Brothers fire on Artisan street July 4 1888, and he had an arm broken. All three men were members of steamer 2.
 The disabled engine was taken back to it's quarters on Artisan street and an examina- ton was made of it, but 1t was hard to de. termine last evening the full extent of the damage. Both axles are sprung, guage cocks, glass guage and outlet on one side broken short off and springs badly wrenched.
 
 safety valve, are knocked out ot all sem- blanoe of shape.
 A more critical examination will be made the first thing this morning, and 1t Is more than probable that the engine will be shipped back to the makers, the Sillsby Manufac- turing company of Seneca Falls, N. Y., for repairs, as the Bigelow company are unable to do anything at present owing to part of their works having been destroyed by fire last Friday evening. The Bigelow concern do most of the repairing for the Fire department.
 Chief Hendrick stated last evening that 1t was impossible to state the amount of dam- age done. It might be $150 and might reach
 One of the reserve engines was on duty last evening at 2's house.
 A large crowd viewed the wrecked engine at the Artisan street engine house last even- ing.
 A curious crowd gathered all last evening at tho corner of State and Chapel streets and viewed the spot where the engine upset, and the police had great difficulty in keeping the walks clear.
 At ten o'clock last evening Fireman Web- ster was recovering from a very severe shock and the physicians at the hospital, Drs. Stiles and Lawrence thought the chances favorable for his recovery.
 During the evening Fire Commissioners Stsunard visited the hospital and directed that the very best of care be given tbe in- jured fireman and stating that all expenses would be met. Dr. 0. Purdy Lindsley re- ported late last evening that Webster had no broken bones and was doing nicely and that he was expected to be out in a very short time. His escape from instant death was well nigh miraculous