New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-08-29
DIR GIDEON L. KNAPP'S ACCOUNT.
HE JUMPED FROM THE CAR IN THE NICK OF
TINE. But HIS FRIEND. COLONEL
BUCK WAS KILLED.

TIE Jr-MPFD FROM THE CAR IN THE NICK OF
TINE BUT HIS FRIEND. COLONEL
BUCK. WAS KILLED.
Dr Gideon 7, Knapp who is the hero Of the Berlin
disaster related his experiences 10 party OF re@s
yesterday afternoon The story is especially sad
as one of his closest friends. Colonel h. "A. BUCK,
mat HIS death in the collision. DR.. Knapp said
that on Saturday afternoon Colonel Buck suggested
that a party be made up TO partake OF slo'e
dinner at one Of the resorts at Sheepsheao naS'
j. G. Follansbee. c. Floyd Jones, john hunter |oi0
MI Buck H. A. Buck and DR.. Knapp were the per
sons who were selected TO form the party O"lhs u
an extra race being added to the programme 1t was
ca late when the Sheepshead Bay races were over
that Messrs. Folansbee. Hunter ana Jones ue
cided 10 return to the city. Colonel BUCK H. A
Buck and DIR. Knapp went 10 Sheepsheao Day !"
the dinner The doctor said:
I'VE spent very pleasant evening ana starteu
for the train in excellent spirits. We boarded 'he
train at the Sheepshead Bay station ana eh'eied
the second car from the engine Livery seat was
taken SO we walked through the tram 10 the last
car in which Colonel Buck and took seats near
the rear door Harry Buck found a seat IN the
car inst ahead We chatted pleasantly and were
en- absorbed in our conversation that we did not
notice where we were until the train reached East
New-York. where many persons who couia not So
cure seats left the train take the elevated road
10 the Bridge. Some Of them were grumbling be-
cause they were compelled TO do this
I'VE were running not more than ten miles an
hour when / looked out of the end of the car.
as 1 heard three separate whistles for crossings
! saw the flash OF "A headlight rapidly approachihs'
On account OF the curve. did not know just "hd'
track the advancing train was on, but turned u
Colonel Buck and said we must jump. You jump
toward the other track. will try the banh'
another glance and 1 that the train was
coming at a high rate Of speed on the same track
on which we By this time we were on 'ne
platform | jumped simultaneously with the 'oi-
lsion felt the rush Of air and heard the crash
before INV feet touched the ground ! took STEP
stumbled and fell. My chest struck something that
,arred me- / was dazed for an instant Nhen re-
gained my feet the moon was shining brightly 50
that I could see things plainly.
~ never want TO see such a fearful sight again.
The ureck WAS complete. The air was ned with the
croans and cries Of the mangled victims who were
cau.ht In the wreck mingled with the Kissing Of
the steam from the engine ! went to the assist
ance of the persons in the wreck ana uid al lhat
was in my power to rescue the imprisoned 'c'i'"S'
Timely aid arrived from nearby Factory oi some
man With lanterns The work Of removing the nead
and wounded pursued with great u'inou,'9
I sem, a man 10 get some whiskey ana gave MIN
s.. He returned with pint but no chdhse' 80
had TO send again. l felt as strong as non Inc
excitement gave me strength Slowly inc extent VI
the disaster dawned on me. When man asked
where were the front cars OF the Tram saiu 'iere
was no train left, as every car was wrecheu
could not believe until Superintendent Blood tod
me an hour later that four carloads of people with
at least one hundred able-bodied men ABOARD had
left so many persons to their rate len suo"s
men would have been OF inestimabe assistance
IAN this time / thought that Colonel Buck nau
escaped by jumping, but when l did not see min
! began TO look for him In the wreck we IOuhu
him living side bv side with a woman Both OF uiem
were dead Their bodies were taken 10 inc iac
tory ssd i started to lind Harry Buck. secured
a lantern and looked at all the bodies but uI
not find him. careful inspection OF the Wouhuei
did not reveal his presence. AS was leaving tne
factory. | a form in the shadow OF porch
and on going over 10 It saw that II was itarry;
He conscious. although badly injured
learned that he got out of the wreck and walked
TO the train which came In collision with us. and
walked through every in search OF his father
He went TO the factory and looked at the wounded