THE HAWTHORNS RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2710, 14 December 1882, Page 2

THE HAWTHORNS RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

Bt Telegbafh.

[Per s.s. Botomahana, at the Bluff. J MELBOTJENE, December 8. A shocking' accident occurred about a quarter past six on Saturday eveningthrough two trains travelling rather rapidlycoming into collision at the corner of Eichmond paddock, between Barnley road and Hawthorne stations. During the afternoon a land sale was held at Boxhill on the Lillydale line, and a special train of seven carriages left there on the return journey at 5.55, and stopped at the Canterburyroad and Camberwell, but was allowed to pass Hawthorne without stopping. It proceeded three-quarters of a mile further, when the Melbourne train, which left at 6.3, was seen approaching on the same line, the otherlinebeingclosedfor repairs. The drivers did the utmost to slacken the speed, sounding the whistles several times, but a terrific collision followed, the noise being heard a. great distance, resembling the crashing of trees. The engines interlocked, that of the Melbourne train, being driven through a first class carriage next it, the roof resting on the engine. This carriage in turn telescoped the next one, and both were completely smashed. The debris was scattered on the line, and the couplings between this and the next carriage broke, the remainder of the train being forced back several yards. The carriage next the Hawthorne engine did not suffer greatly, but the second and third carriages were telescoped and completely destroyed, the wheels of the latter rested on the seats of the former, the roof of which fell crushing the passengers, several of whom were extricated with great difficulty. A distressing scene resulted, many of the pwsengers brought out being cut fearfully, their heads bleeding profuselyMany found had one or both legs broken; others their arms broken; others fractured ribs and injuries of the spine ; others injured internally. As soon as possible the wounded were laid on the grass and supported by cushions. Some time elapsed before medical aid arrived, and in the meanwhile the sufferers remained in great agony; stretchers were prepared and wagons brought. The worst were taken to the Melbourne Hospital and others to the Alfred Hospital. "Wiliain Thomas had I several ribs broken and also the chest bone and other injuries. The case was hopeless from the first and he died at an early hour on Sunday. Another, James Eoss, member of the committee of the Philharmonic Society, had concussion of the brain and also a wound on the eye. This case was very bad, and slight hopes are entertained of his recovery. A young man, named Dalgety, of East Melbourne, had both legs broken, and a young girl, Bunn, aged twelve, had her thigh broken and her ancle likewise injured. Councillor Carnagh, of East Melbourne, had internal injuries and was found insensible, and altogether about seventy persons were wounded, whereof twenty were injured more or less seriously. It appears certain that the accident was caused through the negligence of the officials of Hawthorne allowing the special to pass before the arrival of the regular Melbourne train. The greatest excitement prevailed duringthe evening, and extraordinaries were ssued, and the newspaper offices were thronged. There were very few ladies in the traiu, and the special was filled by men only. All accounts published show that the accident was more serious in its effects than the Joliinont, except that the number injured amounted to about seventy. Many others were slightly injured. They proceeded to houses, and hence the difficulty of ascertaining the exact number of casualties. The "Argus" list of wounded, with the account of the injuries of fifty-four persons, fills three columns. Later. The accident still continues to monopolise public attention, and is the sole topic of conversation. There is a very general and deep feeling that the present system must be changed, and the management of the railway system be entrusted to a permanent Board, independent of political influences. The accident is manifestly attributable to grass negligence of the officials, or a defective system of traffic. In either case it is felt that travellers run a terrible risk.

The residents of ITawthore have petitioned the Mayor to call a meeting of the inhabitants to consider the advisability of a change of the management. But other suburbs, with a l arger traffic, are e pially interested in the question, and it is expected that a very general movement will take place to compel Parliament to move in the matter. The cases last reported are not at all serious. The doctors do not apprehend immediate fatal consequences in any case, though many are still in a critical and prostrate condition. It appears there were two specials on. Saturday, and many passengers returned, by the other, and thus escaped. Although the inquiry is not yet instituted, it appears conclusive, from his own statements, that Thomson, the Hawthorne stationmaster, failed to read the special time table, which showed both trains due there at the same moment. It is stated on good authority that a passenger desired to go by the special when passing through, and Thomson declined permission, alleging the Melbourne train was now due, which would return a few minutes later, quite forgetting that the second line was closed to traffic. There appears likely to be much controversy between the officials as to whether the special's time-table showed whether it should stop at Hawthorn or not. It appears the guard and driver only acted according to instructions, but upon this point also there is much difference of opinion among the officials. It is shown conclusively that there was a difference of four minutes in the time-tables supplied in blocks to the departmental officers and the | ordinary sheet tables, and this is attributable to an error in the printer's office. Already many claims for compensation have been sanb in, but many weeks must elapse before any estimate of the total damages can be made. The damage to the rolling stock amounts to £2OOO. The inquest on the body of Thomas will b 3 opened to-day, but the official enquiry only will take place alter the inquest is completed*