New Britain herald., 1919-11-05

| F occupants of another automobile, which he passed just before reaching the crossing. AmiskO drove his car ] upon the tracks directly in the path | Of the approaching train. The auto m obile was struck by the locomotive inst back of the front wheels. and was dragged along the track for distance of about 500 feet west of the highway. John Amisko, the driv- CT, Janina Amisko, years old, and Antonio Horvatt were killed out right and Ernest Horvatt years old, died from his injuries the follow ing day at New Britain hospital. Mrs .Amisko, Mrs. Horvatt and Tony Hor- watt, years old. were seriously in tired and taken to New Britain hos pital.
 Train Hits Auto.
 Train No. 1749, consisting of en- zine and six wooden coaches, in charge of Conductor James P. Hughes and Engineman Wayne B. Burns, left Hartford about twelve minutes late and just before passing over Clayton's Crossing. was travelling at a speed estimated at about forty miles an hour The engineman states he sounded his whistle, and that the en-
  ing the crossing: and when he was very close to same he first observed the automobile. He immediately ap- piled bra kes in emergency, bringing the train to stop in about 500 feet.
 The automo oble was thrown against the battery box, containing the cells which operate the automatic crossing signal and bell, badly damaging the box and breaking three jars therein, causing an interruption to the cir cult which allowed the signal to re- main in danger position and the dis continuance of the ringing of the crossing bell. This was the condition observed immediately after the acct- dent
 The crossing is protected by auto matic visible and audible signals, dis tant warning signs and oval crossing signs. That the automOtic visible signals located on each side of the crossing operated on the approach of the train is testified to by witnesses to same. just prior to the accident, but no positive evidence that the crossing bell was ringing at that time has been obtained. Record of inspection kept by the company shows that the visible signal and crossing bell was inspected at 11:15 and 11:35 a. m. on the day of the accident, by a section man, and reported 0. K.
 View Is Obscured.
 When approaching the crossing on the highway going in the direction of Hartford, and when near the cross ing, the view of approaching west bound trains is obscured by sheds To- cated on the left, and until within about fifty feet of the center of the l. -Ir1 r.1 1-fo fy- to be had for an approximate distance of 15o feet to tho east. The view of the track to the right is hidden by a bank of earth and a coal bin, and also by cars when standing on the siding.
 At Q point on the highway, about $50 feet west of the tracks, a good view is obtained of a train approach ing from the east when several hum Gred feet distant At a point about 275 feet west of the tracks a train may De seen approaching from the west about 1000 feet distant from the crossing. The highway approach from the west or New Britain side is on a descending grade for about 500 feet, with a slight up grade just before going on the westbound track.
 Signals Arc Installed.
 Tn the report of the chief engineer of the commission of his investigation Of an accident occurring at this cross ing on May 13. 1917 (Docket Mo- 2413), it was suggested: "1. That automatic visible and audible signals be installed without further delay" ':.2. That the crossing be considered for early elimination The first sug- neston has been attended to and said signals installed.
 Although it is understood that Amisko left New Britain to take a ride, after a Sunday afternoon party with friends, there is at hand no pos tive evidence that he was not in con- dition or competent to drive car at the time of the accident, other than his utter disregard of visible danger signs and verbal warnings just before driving onto the track in the path of fast-approachng train.
 If drivers of motor vehicles would familiarize themselves With signs and signals placed for their guidance, and observe same, and approach rail- road crossings at grade with cars under control, and at a speed cal culated to make a quick stop at the first sign of danger. similar accidents might bo avoided,
 As a means of preventing similar accidents at this crossing, I would re- spectfully call attention to the sec ond suggestion of the chief engineer {Docket No. 2413) That the cross ing be considered for early elimina- tion'
 Names of Witnesses.
 The names of the persons from whom the foregoing facts were ob- tained, independent of my personal observations, are as follows: