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Newspaper
Boston Post
Location
Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
Date
Jul 02, 1906
Page
5
A New York to Plymouth liner crash in Salisbury destroys an express train. Driver Robins perished in the wreck as cars toppled from the bridge. Survivors describe the scene as a volley of heavy gunfire while police and medical crews rushed to aid the injured.
A Plymouth to Europe boat train collided with a milk train at Salisbury on a curved track near Fisherton Street. The impact wrecked five rails, killed a guard, toppled engines, and left passengers crushed and burned as local officials and townfolk fought fires and carried out rescues in a scene described as one of Britain's worst railway accidents.
Amid wreckage near Southampton Mayor George B. McClellan narrowly avoided death when a special train bound for Cherbourg went off track. rescuers freed victims as nine men and five women died, and the mayor learned of the tragedy after reaching London. Several named passengers survived or perished, including Jack McDonald and Keeler the “human enigma.”
London dispatch details a train wreck with Walter Gerson as the sole survivor of five in one compartment. Others such as H S Brooks and W Bellati describe the shock and injuries, while G S Hobart reports his wife injured and the car damaged beyond recognition. The account notes the train likely traveled about 50 miles per hour before overturning.
The Salisbury wreck claims several prominent Americans including Walter Barwick of Toronto and Frank W. Koch of Allentown. Other victims include Cossitt of New York, Mrs Elphicke of Chicago, Miss Howleson of New York, and Mrs Lillias Waite of New York. Survivors and next of kin are named for many, with ages and home cities noted.
Boston resident George A. Strachan and his aunt Mrs. J. H. Whiton on a wrecked Salisbury special recall a rapid, jarring ride and a devastating smash. They describe the car overturning, being pinned, flames and water spraying from engines, and rescue arriving as they waited to be freed.
On a Southampton arrival the steamer New York passengers learned of disaster befalling fellow travelers from New York bound for London. A lady passenger sobbed and fainted upon reading a telegram as officials delivered messages, while American Consul Swalin urged gratitude for remaining aboard.
Frederick Henry Cossitt of Princeton, just married to Antonia Dugro, died in the American Line Express wreck at Salisbury England. The wedding was June 18 after Princeton and New York social circles noted college songs sung by friends. Mrs Cossitt will sail from Plymouth with his body, joined by Mr and Mrs Henry Duven of London.
The report lists several Americans injured or noted in city directories. Allen of New York is unnamed in the directory. Robert S. Critchell of Chicago is about 53, a prominent insurance firm member and Union League Club officer active in public affairs. Miss May Hitchcock of New York is noted as the daughter of Mrs. L. N. Hitchcock, who was killed. Griswold, Miss E. cannot be located.
Mrs Cossitt of New York tells how she and her husband were the only occupants of a carriage in Salisbury when it overturned. She describes being dragged from the wreck after waking in an upside down carriage and seeing her husband severely injured. She plans to return to New York next Wednesday.
Frank W. Koch aged 54, senior Koch Bros. partner and Hotel Allen owner, dies in Salisbury wreck while on a 20 year wedding trip with wife. An Allentown trustee at Muhlenburg College and hospital, and director of Allentown National Bank, he sailed June 23 with daughter on the New York bound for Europe.
Beverly resident Mrs. Sarah Strachan thanks the Post after learning her son George A. Strachan survived a railroad wreck near Salisbury. She says she knew he was aboard the ship that carried wreck survivors and would have been devastated otherwise. Her sisters Mrs. Whiton and Miss Strachan share in the relief.
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