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Newspaper
Boston Post
Location
Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
Date
Nov 27, 1905
Page
2
Boston Post report from November 27 1905 lists numerous fatalities and injuries after a terrible collision at Bakers Bridge. Names include Collins Sweeney Magano Hunt Smith Fuller Campbell Bratley Higgins Davis and many others with hospitalizations at Mass General and local facilities.
A passenger recalls the night train derailing near Waltham with shocks and fire. He aided a girl, carried a woman with a severed arm to safety, and received medical dressing from Dr. Hincky. Albert Bratley, skull fracture and leg injuries, was taken to Waltham Hospital on a dangerous list. Neighbors and doctors rushed to help.
A four car local train and heavy mountain train collided in dense fog near a curve. Fire and flames trapped passengers as doctors and volunteers rushed to aid. The scene drew rapid relief trains and dozens treated, with a five year old girl among the dead and many unidentified.
Eyewitness accounts describe the wreck and rescue efforts after a collision. Passengers recall the dead and injured, survivors searching for water, and improvised stretchers from bent chairs. Firefighters and trainmen battled flames as bodies and wreckage were removed.
Superintendent Gilpatrick said a local train leaving at 7 15 pm was struck by the Montreal express at 7 45 pm. The express followed by several cars caused a fatal rear collision. verdict on blame not yet set as investigators focus on injured and dead.
The Baker's Bridge tragedy followed a request by John LeGay to alight at the flag station near Adams residence. Conductor Jones said the train slowed only briefly, and LeGay jumped off as the flyer began moving, moments before the collision occurred.
Acting Mayor Whelton arrives at North Station guiding ambulances, doctors, and police to handle 138 dead and 14 maimed from the disaster. Deputy Superintendent Hanscom oversees operations as clergymen are summoned to comfort the injured.
Assistant Medical Examiner Richard Hinchey of Waltham said about 25 people were injured and the dead were taken in charge by local undertakers. A car of the injured left for Boston after 10:30. Waltham station became a temporary hospital with over 50 victims. nurses and volunteers assisted at the depot.
The Marlboro local left North Station at 7 15 with engine 966 baggage car and three day coaches, crewed by Engineer Perry and Conductor Jones. The Montreal flyer, a twin engine double header, ran with engines 1138 and 986 plus two milk cars two baggage cars one mail car one Pullman and three day coaches, under Engineers Lyons and Wade.
Dr H A Woods who assisted at the scene said the dead and injured were strewn along the ground. Cars were burning and people were in panic. He estimated 25 to 30 persons were temporarily cared for and sent to the hospital.
It was declared that no better ambulance service was ever instituted. Every ambulance from each hospital and police station was double supplied with blankets and medical supplies as injured people arrived at Massachusetts General Hospital, with a score of attendants ready to help.
A corps of nurses from the Waltham Training School rushed to the wreck to assist doctors. They bandaged wounds and climbed into the wrecked cars to reach injured prisoners before transport. Their efforts mirrored Red Cross nurses in quick, organized care.
The Rev. Peter Walsh and the Rev. Edward J. McLeod rushed to the scene and then to Massachusetts General Hospital where they administered last rites to the dying and injured after a wreck near West End.
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