COLLISION IN MID-AIR.

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4628, 3 November 1883, Page 2

COLLISION IN MID-AIR.

The " Messeng-ee Bird " Ceippled by the """Duke op Wellington "ttNone '. Or THE PASSENaEES SEBIOUSLTiINJITEED. . The car "Messenger Bird," which left this port for London ai 9 o'clock; last evening, collided with the Liverpool car' " Duke of Wellington," en route for thiscity. The accident occurred near " Atlantic Station B," just off the coast of Newfoundland, and was causedby a long derangement of the steerage apparatus of the " Messenger Bird." It is alleged by the engineer of the latter that some of the plates in the electric k. battery of the car were of impure zinc, and hence the current was not sufficiently; strong to move the rudder instantaneously. Both cars were provided with the improved oxygen lights, and the -gravity pendulums indicated their approach to each other: in time, we should judge, to avoid any collision. There must have been negligence somewhere, if the state* ment of the "Messenger Bird's " engineer is correct. The thousands of passengers who daily travel by these linescall for an immediate investigation of the whole affair.

Passengers on both cars report that the collision occurred about 9.20 p.m;, Washington time. The news was .immediately solariscoped to this city from Station,B, and a special car was despatched by the Air Line route for the accommodation of the press reporters. We are glad to learn that no serious damage was sustained. Had it not been for the coolness of the captain of the " Duke of Wellington," the accident would have probably culminated in the wreck of both cars and the annihilation of the passengers. Just at the point of collision this car was veered to her right out of her regular course. So skilfully was this accomplished that the " Messenger Bird's" passenger saloon struck the baggage, room of the "Duke" diagonally instead of directly, but still with force enough, in spite bf the enormous air-cushions and elastic " fenders," to give a momentary shock of great riolence to each car. The platinum guards of the "Messenger Bird " were badly bent. Some of her passengers were thrown from their seats and more or less bruised. Dr Eeynolds, of Brooklyn, had three fingers cut off by falling against a glass ledge. As the bones were not lacerated, Dr Valpeau, of Paris, a follow passenger, immediately replaced the fingers, and it is believed that Dr Eeynolds will be able to use his hand in a few weeks. V

The " Date's" passengers were frightened by ther shock, bat it did not other* wise harm them. Some of the baggage was thrown overboard, but caught securely ia the safety nets, and was soon replaced. The engines of both cars were stopped immediately, the air brakes applied and the life parachutes unfurled, bo as to prevent danger of the car falling. Danger signals were flashed every ten seoonds to warn other cars off the route, and a despatch sent to " Station B" for the life car and towing apparatus. The passengers from each car were transferred to the life car, which took the others in tow and safely landed them at .- ••' Station B.^t It was found upon examination; that the " Messenger Bird had lost a quantity of, hydrogen gas, and that the steel rods of her wings were bent too much to admit of motion. The " Duke of Wellington " had suffered but little, so the passengers : embarked on her, and, with the " Messenger Bird" ia tow safely reached the city at midnight. The latter ear will be immediately refitted with new wings, new plates of pure metal for her steering apparatus, and what ever else may be needed for her safe equipment.-^-Bostoa Globe, dated 1981.