SHOCKING FATALITY.

Kumara Times, Issue 1382, 7 March 1881, Page 2

SHOCKING FATALITY.

On Saturday evening February 12 a girl named Kate Layland, nearly 16* years of age, met with a frightful death at the Williamstown (Victoria) Junction Railway Station. She was on the south platform with some other girls when the 7.20 train from Melbourne passed. This traiu arrived at the Junction at 7.41 p.m., and had just left, when the unfortunate girl 'at tempted to pass over the level crossing to the opposite platform.. A train from Williamstown was not only due at the Junction, but was just at hand, and approaching at the rate of 10 miles an hour. The girl probably could nob see it, as the departing train obstructed her view, but the danger she was rushing into was observed by "others, and warning cries were raised* -Some .6$ her own companions called on her not to cross, and Mr William Paxton* the telegraph operator* who was on the opposite platform, ordered her back* but she paiil no heed* When she started to coss the line the engine was only about 30 yai ds away. The enginedriver, who had already giveu the Usual whistles, saw her, and whistled again*. He also shouted out " keep back." It was all of no avail. The girl crossed the down line, and had got one foot over the first rail of the up line before she realised her dreadful position. She had a second to draw back, but lost it,: and was instantly killed. The people on the platform were looking on, 4>ut there was apparently no time for a rescue. The right buffer of the engine struck her on the back, and pitched her head first upon the rail in front. The guard iron then entered her side, and carried her along for 23 yards. Her lifeless and terribly-mangled body was then in some way thrown into the sixfoot way between the lines. Smith, the station-master, who also witnessed the accident, had the body at. ouce lifted upon a stretcher into the van with the intention of sending the deceased to the Melbourne Hospital, bub he subsequently saw that life was quite extinct, and removed the body again to the platform. He then hastened for Mr Goldie, who, on arrival, found that death had been instantaneous. At the inquest the jury found that the occurrence was purely accidental, and the jury returned a verdict to that -effect, expressing their opinion, however, that some steps should be taken by the department to regulate the speed of trains entering stations.