Bridgeton pioneer., 1903-07-23
DRUNK HE FELL
INTO MOVING CAR.

So drunk that he was entirely ire
sponsible, Nicholas McKeeney met
with an accident Saturday night that
might have cost him his life. AS it
was the fellow had his collar bone
fractured in collision with trolley
car.
The accident occurred about nine
O'clock Saturday night directly in
front of Holcomb's drug store on
North Laurel street just north of
Irving avenue.
Victor Houyoux, motorman, and
Herbert Hines, conductor, left down
town with fairly filled trolley car
about nine O'Clock, maybe a few
moments before. The car was moved
slowly to Marion street switch where
it came to standstill while down
car passed around it, Then the car
moved northward. not being able to
get up much speed upon the pro-
nounced up grade leading out Laurel
street. e 880t
In front of Holcomb's drug store
stood Nick McKeeney. He was seri-
ously under the influence of liquor,
and could not stand alone. He was
leaning heavily against bicycle rack
which was standing uron the curb.
Just as the car reached Laurel street
and Irving avenue McKeeney lurched
out in the roadway, apparently pay
ing no attention to the car. Boyd
Lore, of Corson's grocery store, and
Samuel Pancoast, of Andres bakery,
were standing out on the sidewalk and
noticed McKeeney when he staggered
out in the street. Tt seemed to them
that he must pitch directly in front
of the car, and Lore called out TO him
in warning.
But McKeeney did not stagger in
front of the car, but rather pitched
headfirst into the west side of the car
striking the foot board. He must
have fallen heavily upon his face and
breast against the car.
Motorman Houyoux threw off the
power and instantly reversed the
motor bringing the car at once to
standstill.
In the meantime there was consid-
erable excitement. Some ladies sit
ting in front Of their homes screamed.
McKeeney lay in the roadway un-
able to move. He was not unoon-
seious, but was in drunken stupor
He was picked up and carried into the
dining room of Mr. Bert Hills home
and DR.. Cornwell summoned.
When the physician arrived he made
an investigation and after the exam
ination pronounced the most serious
injury to be fracture of the collar
bone.
General Manager Hires, of the Trae-
tion Company, was present, and he
ordered coupe and had the injured
man sent to the Bridgeton Hospital in
the care Of physicians. When the
coupe arrived McKeeney was abba to
walk with little support, although
ne was still plainly under the inf1u-
enoe of drink.
There were several eye witnesses to
the accident, among them being Mr..
Lore, Mr.. Pancoast and Mr.. John
Weldy. All of them agree that the
man was quite drunk, and that the
crew of the car was in no way to
blame.
Mrs. Bowers, who lives down near
Oohansey street on Irving avenue,
says she saw McKeeney before the
accident down near her house, and he
was so drunk that he could scarcely
get along. Two friends were endeav-
oring to get him away but he would
not allow them to help him. She says
he dropped whiskey bottle which
she saw man pick up.
David Griner also saw the fellow
before the accident, and with the
others said McKeeney was drunk.
Officer Betchner ran across the fell
low previous to the accident down
about the Central Railroad station.
and threatened to look him up. He
was with couple of men who prom
ised to look after him and take him
home, and the officer allowed him to
go on.
Everything was done for the mans
comfort and he will be about in day
or two.
|Who4 ChD11 XXTo