New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-07-06
PANIC FOLLOWS A COLLISION
A STEAMER CRASHES INTO A BARGE IN
HELL GATE.
THE Widest EXCITEMENT ARISES AMONG THE
PLEASURE SEEKERS ON BoARD-FTvE OF
THE PASSENGERS INJURED, BUT 1T is
BELIEVED ALL WILL RECOVER.


\ collision occurred last evening in the Fast
River at Hell Gate between the steamer Eleanora
and the barges Charles F.. Spers and Walter
Sands loaded with pleasurc-seckers and in tow OF
the large steamer Idlewild.
The Order of Forestcrs of Elizabeth, \. j.,
and their friends to the number of 900 boarded
the barges yesterday morning and started to go
ND the Sound on their annual excursion. They
landed at Oriental Grove and after spending the
day started on their return down the river about
o'clock. Just the barge swung into midstrean
at Hell Gate the large freight steamer Eleanora
of the Portland Line crashed into the narges
and a frightful scene occurred. The sharp Prov
of the steamer struck the barge Walter Sands in
the bow. carrying away the railing and smashing
a large hole in the front part OF the barge.
\ panic Immediately arose among the people
on board and the shrieks of the women and chill
drcn were appalling Women tainted and men
appeared To be paHlyZcd with fear. rush was
made for the lie-prcseryerS and the officers ana
crew on the barge had all they could do 10 pre-
vent persons from jumping overheard. Tho
panic was finally stayed by tire prompt action OF
the officers and crew.
As the steamer backed one from the Sands
il was seen that number of persons on board
of the barge were lying on the deck in agony.
sgnalIcd the Illewld which was towing the
baraes. TO make landing as speedily possible,
50 that medical aid could be procured for the
PERSONS who had been injured. The steamer puo
about ANA made a landing at the steamboat wharf
at Astoria
Word was promptly sent to the Astoria Polics
Station, and Sergeant Cosgrove ana a squad OF
reserves hurried down 10 the wharf and rendered
good assistance in getting the excited people
ashore Women and children were still wrmgng
their hands and crying, and it took considerable
time 10 land those who desired to come ashore.
1t was then found that the injured persons were
Mrs. Mary sullivan, of No. 620 Fourth-ave., this
city; Mrs. Smith, of No. ia Fulton-st.. Brook
lyn, and John Jennings. George Lang ard Henry
Eak, Of Elizahcthport.
FAX and the two women, who were the most
seriously injured, were placed on board the Idle-
wild and taken to the Charity Hospital on Black
wells Island. Their injuries were said TO be not
serious. John Jennings and George Lang, both
young men, were not seriously hurt and were abls
to 20 to their homes after being attended BY DR..
" r. Taylor.
rs soon as Mayor Gleason, of Long Island City,
heard of the accident he drove rapidly 70 Astoria
and rendered assistance in getting tho
people Oh the barge ashore. One
NaS carried on the Sands groauins and was taken
into coal office adjoining the pier.
Mayor Glcason and DR.. Taylor examined the man
and found that he was not injured. lie was
suffering from shock, and finally got up and went
away with his wife and family. lie did NOT tell
hi, name. Several hundred OF the pie sure SEEK
crs went ashore, and although many Ot te'n
] ed in Elizabeth, y. j., they decided 10 20 10
their homes by rail
The damaged barge Walter Sands was left 40
the wharf. while the people who remained on the
barge Spicrs taken in tow by the ldlewlM
and reached Elizabeth al late hour last night
H. was reported that baby lying asleep IN a car
raec on the barge Sands had been killed, but
diligcnt inquiry failed To confirm this rumor.
The barge had not been sighted at Irzaoeth-
port at | o'clock last night, and crowd of fully
1000 anxious and excited people were on the
Central Railroad pier awaiting its return. All
sorts Of Wild rumors were atioat as 70 the number
of people hurt by the collision. The excursion
was not expected 10 get in before midnight or
later. About 900 people were on board.