Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1915-08-17
On Recent soath Paris Accident.
DECISION OF PUBLIC UTILITIES coMhIs-
SION AS RECORDED.
STATE OF MAINE.

STATE OF MAINE.
PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION.
In the matter of accident on property
Of Grand Trunk Railway at South Paris,
resulting In death of Cora Everett and
Ivy Everett.
A No. 11S.
Mrs. Cora Everett, aged about forty
Ave, and her daughter, Ivy Everett, aged
twelve, were thrown from an automobile
which came in collision with Portland
bound passenger train 1st No. 10 of the
Grand Trunk Railway, at the crossing OF
Nichols Street, in South Paris, at 4: 55 P.
NJ, July rs, 1915. The daughter was
Instantly killed, and Mrs.. Everett died
almost Immediately.
The automobile was owned and driven
by Mr.. John Everett, husband and father
of the injured persons. The Everetta
lived in sight and within few rods OF
the crossing and were going home at the
time of the accident. The crossing is
approached by a slight rise in the street,
and the view of train approaching from
Montreal is cut off by rise in the land
and the presence of fruit trees on the lot
next to the railroad track.
A member of this Commission went to
the scene of the accident early the fol-
lowing morning, before the automobile
was removed, and made investigation
sufficient to secure all of the material
facts.
1t appears beyond doubt that the cross
ing itself was in full view of the occu-
pants of the automobile, that they were
familiar with its presence and the opera
tions of trains over it; that they took no
pains to ascertain whether a train was
approaching, and that the usual train
signals were given by whistle and bell.
When the automobile came in sight OF
the engineer, it was too late to avoid the
collision.
We are of the opinion that no blame is
attributable to the train crew.
There are, however, at least three
grade crossings, including that at Mich
OILS Street, near the South Paris station,
at which conditions are such that acct
dents are likely to occur, and to the
remedying of which attention ought to
be given. The other two are the Gothic
Street crossing and the crossing of the
highway leading from South Paris to
Norw ay. Both were visited at the time
of the above investigation, and 1t is the
purpose of the entire Commission to
give them further attention in the i'm
mediate future.
At the Gothic Street crossing, freight
tracks are located between the main line
and the principal street from which the
crossing is approached. When freight
cars are lett on these tracks close to the
crossing, the traveller has no view of the
main line until he is close to it. This
matter was called to the attention of the
local agent of the railway company, who
readily promised that such cars should
not be left within one hundred feet Of
the crossing in the future. This will
materially improve the condition.
At the crossing between South Paris
and Norway, the view of train ap.
preaching from Norway is cut of from
travellers going toward Norway. An
accident occurred here a short time ago
resulting in the loss of twU* lives. 1t is
probable that substantial results might
be secured here by installing visible
and audible signal, aud In view OF the
great amount of travel on this highway,
either this or flagman would seem to
be warranted.
The Commission recommends that the
Grand Trunk Railway offer suggestions
for the improvement of conditions at
these crossings, before it makes formal
order.
Given under the hand and seal of the
Public Utilities Com mission, at Augusta,
this 18th day Of August, A. D. 1915.
H.. S
BENJAMIN F. CLEAvEs,
VIM. B. SHELTON,
CHAs. w. MULLEN,
Public Utilities Commission of Maine.