The Fatal Accident at Featherston.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IX, Issue 11, 11 December 1884, Page 2

The Fatal Accident at Featherston.

FURTHER PARTICULARS,

CAUTION TO TRAVELLERS.

A reporter of a Wairarapa exchange, who witnessed the fatal accident to Mr Welsh, at Featherston, supplies the following m yesterday's issue : — When the ; guard's whistle sounded, a stampede was made for the train. Mr Welsh sprang on to the platform of a carriage ; but he then appeared, upon seeing Mr F. P. Tancred mount on an adjoining one, to alter his mind and endeavour to change from one carriage platform to the other. The train, which was now moving away at a good pace, would not allow the indention to be accomplished.- Mr Welsh evidently was aware of that fact, and : upon trying to step back upon the platform of the carriage, missed his hold of the guard iron and fell between ther e volving wheel and the carriages and station platform, and thus was drawn along and tightly- jammed between, the train and platform until the train was clear. The body of the unfortunate man was then seen lying mutilated against the end of the platform, the lower part pf his coat ■ and part of his trousers and draws being completely torn away/ A number of willing hands soon came to 1 his assistance, but a glace was .sufficient to assure anyone that the sufferer would very speedily be beyond human aid. The train was immediately stopped, and the railway officials rushed up with some seat cushions from a ; ' first-class carriage, to which the/ mangled body was received. The signal was then given for the train to resume its journey. It may be explained that Mr Tancred, being the holder of a first-class ticket, changed during the journey between Wellington and Featherston into a se-cond-class carriage for the i purpose of conversing with deceased and some other friends. Upon that account, the unfortunate man may have' conceived the idea of renewing the conversation during, the remainder ot the journey. The injured man was taken to the Grey-, town Hospital, and the surgical investigation by Dr Hanratty showed at once that there was no chance of recovery, there being a compound fracture of ithe left leg, the right hip bone being also crushed, and the lower part of the body frightfully mutilated. '■ \