Democratic Sentinel, Volume 7, Number 24, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 July 1883 — A RIDE TO DEATH. [ARTICLE]

A RIDE TO DEATH.

Plunge of Runaway Oars Down a Heavy Grade Near Rasselae, Pa. Seven Penons Almost Instantly Killed and Many Others Badly Injured. (Telegram from Bradford, Pfc.l Aboq£ 3 o'clock this morning a coal train, with a passenger-oat attached, on the Rochester and Pittsburgh railroad, broke in two while going up a steep grad® near'Rasselas', a few miles south of Kinzua viaduct Th® severed section, consisting of seven heavily - loaded coal-cars and a passenger-coach, immediately started down the steep grade, and, while going at the frightful speed of forty miles an hour, collided with an approaching coal-train. The passenger oar was well filled, and the destruction of life and limb was appalling, seven having already died from injuries, and others fatally hurt A relief-train with three surgeons and a number Of employes of the company on board was dispatched to the scene at 5 o’clock this evening. The killed and injured were brought to this city, and as far as can be learned their names are as follows: 8. N. Talles, aged 84, conductor, residing at Bradford; terribly mangled, died instantly. David Ford, brakeman, of Bradford, had both legs broken, and fatally injured internally. . _ „ . . Mike Downs, brakeman, of Bradford, had both feet cut off, and fatally injured; died at 4 o’clock this afternoon. George Quinn, of Bradford, traveling salesman, died on the relief train. Angelo Odone, an Italian laborer, was instantly killed. W. a Davis, of Olean, Pa, received a terrible gash on the head, and is supposed to be fatally hurt m L; 1 McKee, of Bradford, leg broken and Injured about the abdomen, died at noon while being carried into his house. Robert Clemons, of Bradford, neok broken and body badly crushed. Killed outright .Tames O’Connell, of Altoona, dangerously Injured. Joseph Ravella, of Altoona, badly hurt, and will probably no.t recover. Mrs. W. H. McCurdy and baby, of Bradford, slightly cut about the head and arms; child bruised. John Collins, of Limestone, N. Y., badly hurt on the head. J. Bosway had several ribs broken and severe contusions about the head. J. Oosmillo, an Italian, leg broken in two places .. R. Cosmillo, a brother of the above, rib stove in and condition critical “Pop” Downs, engineer of the second train, was the only one hurt in his crew. He saw the severed section approaching, and, after reversing his engine, jumped, escaping with Alight bruises. Mrs. McCurdy, who was only slightly injured, has made a statement in which she says that the conductor and both brakemen, who were in the car with her, were asleep. It is not yet known to whom blame is most to be attached.