The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1895-05-09
HURLED TO instant death
Terrible Fate Of Arthur OMAHA and
James Delaney at West Avoca.
WAY THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED
Tho Men Wcrc Driving Over Railroad
Crossing Which Is Somewhat Danger.
Gus and Did Not See tho Locomo.
tive or Hear the Warnings Given.

A terrible accident, which caused a
thrill of horror to pass through the dis
trct, occurred at the West Avoca cross
Ing Of the Erie and Wyoming Valley
railroad yesterday afternoon, by which
Arthur OMAHA, liquor salesman,
and James Delaney, a saloon-keeper,
both of Browntown, near Pittston,
were instantly killed.
Mr.. OMAHA was employed by the
firm of Evans G. O'Malla, wholesale
liquor dealers, on South Main street,
Pittston, and was returning after work
ing his usual route. He had left home
about s o'clock in the morning, accom-
panied by Mr.. Delaney, and while. on
their return, driving over the West
Avoca crossing, 1t is presumed that
they failed to observe the approaching
locomotive, which dashed into the rig,
and killed the horse instantly. O'Malia
was thrown high into the air, while
Delaney was hurled onto the pilot.
Willing hands Immediately went to
the assistance of the men. but O'Malia
was found to be beyond assistance. De-
laney was found to be mortally injured
and despite all efforts he died in less
than thirty minutes.
Many persons who were on the spot
said that the two young men were en-
gagged in conversation and We're un-
mindful Of their surroundings, and as
there were no gates at the crossing,
they did not observe that the horse was
crossing the track. When they had
reached the center of the track they
saw girl waving her hands in fran
tic manner and warning them of their
perilous position.
They Saw Their Peril.
They evidently realized the extreme
danger, as one of the men was seen to
apply the whip, while the other man
attempted to stop the horse. This de-
lay, caused by their embarrassment,
proved fatal, as the engineer was un-
able to reverse his engine in time.
There are no gates at the crossing, but
an automatic electric bell has been ar
ranged which acts as a warning when a
train is approaching. The engine,
which was running light, was in charge
of Engineer William O'Hara, of Dun
more, who, it is asserted, gave the Gus
tomary warning by bell and by sound
ing the whistle. The crossing Is, how
ever, at all times dangerous. as build
ings have been erected on either side,
rendering it difficult to see any ap-
preaching trains unless the traveller
stands on, or very near. the track.
The remains were removed to the Nc
Carly restaurant to await the arrival of
the coroner. Mr. OMAHA was % years
of age and a son of Arthur OMAHA, of
Browntown, and brother of Patrick
O'Malia, of the firm of Evans & O'Ma-
liza. Mr.. Delaney was SO years of age,
and q son of James Delaney, of Port
Griffith, weghmaster at the Even
breaker. He Is also a brother of Mi
chael Delaney, justice of the peace of
Jenkins. He is survived by his wife,
formerly Miss Anna Mccormick, daugh-
ter of Mr.. and Mrs Daniel Mccormick,
of Port Griffith. There are two children
issue Of the marriage, Daniel and Celia,
aged and years. For a number of
years Mr.. Delaney was employed as
salesman in Thomas Maloney's store,
and afterwards as postoflice clerk un-
der s. b. Bennett, after which he acted
as a mail carrier.
Railroad COmpany's Explanation.
An official Of the Erie and Wyoming
railroad, in conversation with a Trib-
une reporter last evening, said that the
accident was due to the carelessness of
the two men who were driving.
The engineer gave the proper signals,
both by bell and sounding the whistle.
The electric crossing bell was also in
good working order, and was tested i'm
mediately after the accident occurred
with satisfactory results.