Brompton Tram Crash 30th October 1902

Chatham and Rochester News, Saturday November 1st 1902 (Page 5)

 

SERIOUS TRAMWAY ACCIDENT

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TWO PERSONS KILLED AND OVER FIFTY INJURED.

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HEARTRENDING SCENES AT OLD BROMPTON.

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The most serious disaster that has occurred in this district for years past took place yesterday (Thursday) morning when one of the cars of the Chatham and District Light Railway Company got out of control when passing down Westcourt-street, Old Brompton, descended the steep and dangerous declivity at that spot at terrific speed, and toppled over at the curve at the foot of this hill with a terrific crash. One of the passengers was killed outright, and over fifty were more or less seriously injured, one of the latter dying soon after his admission to hospital.

CROWDED WITH WORKMEN

The car was one that was being run to convey workmen to the Dockyard and was, as usual, crowded to the utmost capacity. There is little doubt but what it was overcrowded, although to what extent it is difficult to state. As will be seen later, those who were passengers by the car, very much in their estimate on this point. The car – No. 19 – started at 6.20 a.m. from Jezreel’s Temple, and was driven by Frederick Charles Pearce, of 251, Luton-road, the conductor being Edward James Fraser, of 29, Bush-street, Chatham. It is officially stated that there were about 80 passengers. All went well till Old Brompton was reached, but on reaching Westcourt-street it was found the man who acts as pilot was not there, and the car was delayed for several minutes in consequence. The driver kept ringing the bell for the pilot, but he did not arrive, and ultimately the car started without him. The car had scarcely gone fifty yards down the hill when it “took charge” and raced on at a terrific speed, and on reaching the curve at the end of the street, swerved, and overturned. The motor man, or driver, as he is popularly called, had in the meantime used every exaction to check the speed of the car by means of the appliances provided for that purpose. His want of success in that respect was due to the greasy state of the rails, caused by atmospheric influences during the night, the wheels skidding along the metals in spite of the grip of the brakes; whilst there is no doubt the heavy human freight carried by the car had a good deal to do with its running away. The motor man appears to have stuck to his post, and did all he could to minimise the disaster. The conductor and several of the passengers jumped off the car, receiving but slight injuries, but the majority did not come off so well. Fortunately for those who were hurt, Melville Naval Hospital is within a stone’s throw of the spot. Inspectors Bamber and Doggett, of the Dockyard division of the Metropolitan Police, with the assistance of several constables and workmen, under the general direction of Supt Smith, carried the injured passengers on stretchers, brought from Melville Hospital and the Dockyard, to the hospital, where medical aid was promptly given by the surgeons. The accident occurring at the early hour it did, most of the doctors were in bed, but it was but a very few minutes before the whole staff, many only partially dressed, were ministering to the wounded. Twenty-five of the passengers were very seriously injured, and of these one died almost immediately after reaching the hospital. Some thirty others received attention from the surgeons, and were afterwards allowed to proceed to their homes.

A SAD SPECTACLE

Despite the early hour, a large crowd quickly gathered at the scene of the disaster, and watched the sickening spectacle of the removal of the injured. The car was almost totally wrecked, and it took considerable time to clear the track. In its fall it struck against one of the houses at the police quarters, and several panes of glass and the window frame were broken, but the force of the impact seems to have been mitigated by the kerb, the car really overturning before the police quarters were reached. It was a terrible experience. Men who but a moment before were in the enjoyment of full health were now prostrate, bleeding and helpless, and many brave fellows strove in vain to repress their cries and groans which their suffering wrung from them.

The workmen who were walking to their employment rendered very valuable assistance to the police in effecting the speedy removal of the suffering. Among one of the most energetic was Councillor W. J. Lewington. At one time there were no less than ten men lying on the pavement awaiting removal, and the seats of the broken car were used as improvised stretchers.

HAIRBREDTH ESCAPES.

There were several marvellous escapes. One passenger on top of the car made a clean jump right into the passage at the police quarters, and sustained scarcely a bruise, and having acknowledged the congratulations of the bystanders, he went to the assistance of those who had been less fortunate.

Much sympathy is felt for the canteen lad – John Henry Long – who sustained a broken fore-arm. His first thought on reaching the hospital was for his widowed mother. “What will my poor mother say?” he cried, “I hope she won’t grieve.”

There were several passengers who escaped with a few slight cuts or bruises or a severe shaking, and these returned to their homes. Many acted on the advice of the driver and jumped from the top of the car, and while some of these sustained serious injuries, it is marvellous what a number got off almost scratchless.

Local Volunteers will be glad to hear of the escape of Sergeant E. S. Nicholson. He jumped from the roof of the car, and beyond hurting his hand, is apparently none the worse for his leap. His hasty retreat took place some yards before the car toppled over. He repeated the driver’s exhortation, “Jump,” and some eight or ten others followed his example.

The shipwright apprentice Hellenburgh was cut about by broken glass. His worst experience, however, was when his fellow passengers, flung about by the capsizing of the car, fell in a heap on top of him. Notwithstanding the almost crushing weight, he was unable to get about after the accident.

ANXIOUS ENQUIRERS.

It was a very sad spectacle to watch the crowd of anxious enquirers that kept gathering around Melville Hospital throughout Thursday. The police were kept very busy. The official list was posted up outside the hospital as soon as the names of the injured and the extent of their injuries was known. Many women and children sobbed piteously when they caught sight of the names of those who were near and dear to them.

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PERSONAL NARRATIVES.

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A “News” representative has called on several of the less seriously injured passengers to get their version of the disaster. From these we select a few personal narratives.

GAVE IT UP IN DESPAIR.

One of the most graphic descriptions is that given by Mr. George Moss, the fitter’s apprentice of “Bannockburn,” Rock-avenue, New Brompton, who, by the way, has only just recently returned from Bermuda. Mr. Moss, in reply to the “News” man’s enquiries, stated – “I got on the car at the top of Rock-avenue,, at twenty past six, and everythin proceeded well till we got to the top of the hill at Old Brompton. Then the driver stopped and kept calling to the pilot, who did not come. After waiting some time, the driver started, having first applied the brake. The car gained in speed rapidly, and the driver made desperate attempts to increase the grip of the brake, but without avail. The driver then gave it up in despair, and shouted frantically to the passengers “Jump, jump.” I was inside the car, seated near the driver. When he shouted ‘jump’ he crouched down behind the screen in front of the car. The passengers were then completely terror-stricken, and there was a mad rush for the back part of the car. The car arrived at the points and swerved round towards Chatham, instead of the lower Dockyard gate, which was its destination. In my opinion the car jumped the metals and then turned over. As I have said, I was inside the car, and when the smash came there was a heap of men, many much injured, scrambling to get out. The cries were agonising and the sight was sickening. I climbed out of the car in between the wheels, escaping with this nasty wound on my face – the scar of which I suppose I will always have – and a few other injuries. I quickly made my way to the Hospital, glad to turn my back on a sight I shall never forget. I cannot say the inside of the car was so much crowded as sometimes. There might have been half-a-dozen beyong the right number. I cannot say anything about the number on top.”

AN AWFUL SENSATION.

Mr. George Howland, boilermaker, of Chaucer-road had a narrow escape. He has only been in New Brompton a very short time, and Mrs. Howland was very busy putting the things straight in the house, which they have only just entered, when her husband was brought home. Mr. Howland stated:– “It was just twenty past six when I left home and and I took the tram almost immediately after. All went well till we reached Westcourt-street, Old Brompton. The car was crowded, as usual, and men were standing up both on top and inside. As we were going down the hill the brake failed to bite. I was on top of the car and could not see the driver, but I am told he tried hard to pull up, but the brake failed to set. I saw at once hat there was no help for us, and that a catastrophe must ensue. It was an awful sensation. I hung on as well as I could, and as long as I could, but I got knocked over, and just remember going flying on to the pavement. I lost consciousness for a time, and remember nothing more.”

A MODERATE SPEED.

Mr. Charles Field, a skilled labourer, in the C.C.’s Department, states:- “I was sitting at the back of the car, on top. Everything was going all right when we started down the hill. We seemed to be going at what I should call a moderate speed, when, all of a sudden, everything seemed to ‘give out,’ and we past the King’s Arms Hotel at a terrific rate. I know no more as I was knocked off the car. She seemed to jump the points, and landed herself on her side.”

A DIFFERENT OPINION.

Mr. Albert Dycha, a fitter in the C.R. Department, states:- “From the very first the brakes would not set properly. The car went faster than usual. Too fast I should say. The driver tried hard to get the brakes to act, but failed. I contend that there was no blame to the driver, but to the brakes.”

“SHOVED CLEAN THROUGH THE WINDOW.”

Eli Furniss, of 104, Chatham-hill, who is 56 years of age, was much shaken and sustained a fractured collar bone. Said he:- “I am a labourer in the Dockyard. I was inside the car and plainly heard the brake being applied. As the car went down the hill she gained in speed, and I could see her turning over on the side. After that I remember nothing, but I was almost the last to leave the car. I really don’t know how I got out alive. My hand was shoved clean through the window, and part of the car lay across my legs, but not sufficient to injure them beyond hurting my hip.” Furniss is an old soldier.

IN A HEAP OF MEN.

Mr. Alfred Fairbank, of No. 9, Jeyes-street, New Brompton, states:- “I was on top, so I saw pretty much all that transpired, although there wasn’t time to see a lot. It all happened, you know, in a few seconds. As soon as I saw something was wrong I jumped up from my seat involuntarily as it were, and then sat down again, as I could see there was nothing to be gained by rushing off. I was about two seats from the front, and when the crash came I was flung nearly into the police quarters. After striking the wall I lay unconscious, but when I came round again I managed to work myself out from under a heap of men, and walked to the Dockyard surgery, as all the cases were taken there before going to the hospital. I believe the car was without a pilot, and I noticed it was going very quick from the commencement. It certainly went faster than I have seen before; and I ride nearly every morning. It was an awful sight at the hospital. I got covered with blood, and had bruises all over, a broken nose, cut over the eye, and bruised over the legs. But I’m a temperate man, and shall soon pull through.” Mr. Fairbank attributes his escape to the Almighty’s providence.

“WE’LL BE DASHED TO DEATH!”

Mr. George Bowman, one of the injured men who was able to proceed to his home after attention at the hospital, gives the following statement:- “We boarded the car at the Boatswain and Call public-house, and everything went smoothly till we reached the top of Westcourt-street, where we stopped four or five minutes. Here the driver rang his bell for the pilot, but I never saw anyone come on board. Whether the pilot the pilot gave the driver the signal to start or not I cannot say, but we went down the hill at a pretty fast rate. With that I turned to my mate and said, ‘We’re going fast.’ And he replied, ‘I think we’re pulling up for lost time.’ I was sitting next but one to the window, and I saw the driver, crouched down, grasping the spindle with both hands, as if he was terrified. I shouted, ‘My God, he has lost control, and we’ll be dashed to death.’ Then I turned the other way, in time to see the conductor jump off the car. Then, a second later the car turned over and dashed into the police wall, but before that, I shouted ‘Every man for himself.’ Poor old Furniss was lying doubled up with men on top of him, and another poor fellow lay with the trolley pole across his body. It was a sight and no mistake, while the cries were something terrible. I was the last man to be taken out of the car. But it’s no use saying it’s the driver’s fault. I am a mechanic – I have seen the wheels of the tram car. Why! the flanges were all worn away, and could not be expected to work on three-eights of an inch rail. The car had not sufficient grip.” Mr. Bowman looks very well for his 61 years, but feels the effects of the accident rather seriously.

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FACTS AND INCIDENTS

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The driver, Frederick Pierce, waited several minutes to pick up the “pilot” who is supposed to take charge of the car, but as he did not appear the passengers began to chafe at the delay, and uncomplimentary remarks were addressed to him. In the end he went on without the pilot.

When the car toppled over the outside passengers were either thrown into the roadway or against a brick wall, while those inside were imprisoned among the ruins of the car which was completely smashed.

While the work of rescue was proceeding, an empty car ran away down the hill, through the wheels skidding in spite of the brakes, but happily it kept the rails, or else the accident would have been of a more serious character. As it was, it was surprising more of the passengers were not killed outright. The car had contained passengers, who dismounted on seeing that an accident had occurred.

The track was cleared and the cars recommenced running before noon. At the curve where the car toppled over there is a crossing for for cars coming from another route.

The company has found it next to impossible to prevent over-crowding, especially in workmen’s cars; the vehicles have been literally “stormed” in the mornings and evenings, the officials having been set at defiance. Only last week a conductor who endeavoured to prevent over-crowding was assaulted and had his eye blackened.

The slippery state of the rails was due to a combination of influences – fog and a slight frost.

The tramways were opened on June 15th, 1902.

The number of injuries to the head prove that many passengers were thrown with considerable force against the police buildings.

The sufferers speak very gratefully of the careful and skilful attention they received at the hospital. In fact, they cannot say too much in praise of the medical staff and nurses.

John Henry Long, who was employed in the Dockyard canteen, had only been at work there for two weeks. His mate, William Jarvis, who showed the same ugly marks on his forehead, had been out of work for some time, and only started in the Dockyard at the beginning of the present week.

The medical staff at Melville Hospital at the present time includes Deputy-Inspector General G. J. Irvine, Staff-Surgeon H. F. D. Stephens, Surgeons A. Gaskell, J. E. H. Phillips, W. R. Center, and R. F. Bate.

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THE FATAL CASES

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The most terribly injured passenger was a young fellow named Harris, a shipwright apprentice, who, by some means, was thrown under the car and was shockingly crushed. It was some time before his identity could be established. The only clue that was found on him was the name “E. S. Harris,” on a metal tab, attached to a bunch of keys, found in his pocket. Some idea will be formed as to the extent to which he was disfigured when it is stated that he was at first described as a man of 30, whereas he is a youth of 17. It was subsequently found that his full name was Ernest Stewart Harris, of 12, Lower Milton-road, New Brompton. His death is rendered additionally sad owing to the fact that his father, Mr. George Harris, a fitter, is amongst tose dangerously injured. The deceased was sitting on the end facing the steps, in the front part of the car, and it is presumed that, seeing the crash coming, he tried to make his escape down the steps, and in doing so was thrown off, and the car toppled right on the poor fellow, inflicting the terrible injuries already referred to. The father of the poor lad, Mr. George Harold Harris, lies in a critical condition, suffering from internal injuries. Young Harris was one of a very large family. Our representative visited the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Harris on Thursday afternoon, and interviewed the three eldest sons, young fellows whose ages range from 19 to 26. They were naturally deeply affected by the terrible trouble that had fallen on them. They informed the Pressman that they had just returned from the hospital, where they had seen their father, who was able to have a short conversation with them. On seeing them, the poor fellow’s first remark to them was the pathetic enquiry, “Where is my boy? Is he alright?” This heartbreaking interrogation had to be evaded as much as possible, and the sufferer was told that they were making further inquiries. Referring to the accident, Mr. Harris remarked, “It was all done in a moment. It was an awful crash.”

The utmost sympathy is felt for the widow and family of Mr. Alfred Pellatt, of Windmill-road, New Brompton, the poor fellow who died soon after admission to the hospital. It was some time before he was fully identified, and at first there was a little doubt as to his name. Mrs. Pellatt, who is in a delicate state of health, is left with three little ones, the eldest of whom is only six years of age. The poor woman had not heard of the terrible accident, and took her husband’s dinner to the dockyard as usual on Thursday, where she heard the sad news that her husband was among the injured, only to ascertain soon after that he was among the dead.

THE INQUEST.

The County Coroner, Mr. W. J. Harris, has directed that the inquiry into the circumstances of the sad affair should take place on Monday next at 2 p.m. at Melville Hospital. The reason the inquest has been deferred til Monday is in order to afford the Coroner an opportunity of communicating with the Board of Trade.

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LIST OF KILLED AND INJURED.

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KILLED ON SPOT:

Ernest Stewart Harris, aged 17, shipwright apprentice, 12, Lower Milton-road, New Brompton.

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DIED SINCE:

Alfred Pellatt, driller, 1, Windmill-road, New Brompton.

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IN HOSPITAL:

Philip Bunton, skilled labourer, Fernside, Rock-avenue, New Brompton, scalp wound, right brow.

Sydney S. Baker, labourer, Montgomery-road, New Brompton, scalp wound and contused hip.

Thomas George Baker, excavator, Longfellow-road, New Brompton, contused right thigh.

William Collins, shipwright, Canterbury-road, New Brompton, scalp wound, concussion and contused hand.

S. Clark, skilled labourer, 42, Upper Milton-road, New Brompton, dislocation left shoulder.

Owen R. Edwards, shipwright, 13, Lower Milton-road, wound, face and general contusions.

W. R. Ellis, coppersmith, 235, Canterbury-street, New Brompton, fractured right thigh and contused right eye.

Frank Hodges, fitter, contusions general.

Thomas Hunt, rigger, 71, Chaucer-road, New Brompton, fractured jaw, wounded eye.

George Harris, fitter, 12, Lower Milton-road, internal abdominal injuries.

William Thomas Longhurst, labourer, 3, Pretoria-street, New Brompton, wounded scalp and general contusions.

Alexander McIntosh, shipwright, Shakespeare-road, New Brompton, scalp wound and dislocation of right shoulder.

James Mercer, boilermaker, 9, Upper Milton-road, New Brompton, sprained back.

Frederick Porter, skilled labourer, Chaucer-road, New Brompton, contusions left leg and thigh.

Percival Poulter, joiners apprentice, 58, Waterloo-road, New Brompton, injury right leg.

Sidney Palmer, engine-room artificer, Upper Milton-road, New Brompton, wound, right hand.

William Shears fitter, scalp wound.

William Stokes, chargeman of fitters, 92, Windmill-road, New Brompton, injury both legs.

Andrew Townsend, fitter, Rock-avenue, New Brompton, scalp wound.

William Sproul, shipwright, scalp wound.

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SENT HOME:

William L. McIntosh, boilermaker’s apprentice, scalp wound and, general contusions.

George Boorman, labourer, wounded hand.

Charles Elliott, labourer, wounded hand.

William Karminal, excavator, contused right leg.

John T. Jenner, labourer, 233, Canterbury-road, New Brompton, contused left shoulder and collar bone.

Sidney H. Hines, boilermaker, scalp wound.

Walter Rogers, driller, contused right shoulder.

Edward Simpson Nicholson, shipwright, Queen’s-road, New Brompton, injury to hand and hip.

Richard Bradley, skilled labourer, general contusions.

G. Turner, labourer, Chatham-hill, New Brompton, wound, left knee.

George Bowman, boilermaker, wound, scalp.

Herbert Pinfield, shipwright’s apprentice, Clifton House, Canterbury-road, New Brompton, wound, scalp.

Walter Rogers, driller, wound, left leg.

George Moss, fitter’s apprentice, Rock-avenue, New Brompton, wound, scalp and right arm.

Dorrant Hellenburgh, shipwright apprentice, Canterbury-road, New Brompton, contusion, eye.

Henry Hartland, shopwright apprentice, Windmill-road, New Brompton, contusion, eye.

Edward Baker, fitter, wounded hand.

John Valpy, shipwright, Canterbury-road, New Brompton, general contusions.

John Craig, boilermaker, contused left shoulder.

George Walker, fitter, Ferndale-Rock-avenue, New Brompton, general contusions.

George Howland, boilermaker, 144, Chaucer-road, New Brompton, scalp wound.

Thomas James Roddy (or Riddy), driller, scalp wound.

Gidgeon Bruce, driller, general contusions.

Albert Heather, bricklayer, wounded arm.

Alfred Fairbank, fitter, fractured nose, wound over eye.

John Dickinson, boilermaker, fractured nose.

Leonard Burton, labourer, scalp wound.

John Henry Long, canteen boy, fractured left arm.

Eli Furness, labourer, fractured collar bone.

Charles Foxwell, skilled labourer, scalp wound.

Sidney Russell Dolling, joiner, 18, Upper Milton-road, New Brompton, bruised arm and flesh wound in leg.

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SYMPATHY FROM SIR HORATIO DAVIES, M.P.

Capt. R. J. Passby received the following telegram from Sir Horatio Davies, the Member for the borough, during Thursday:

“To Passby, New Brompton, Kent. Kindly convey my sincere sympathy and condolence with families of killed and injured in tram-car accident this morning, and trust injured will speedily recover. – Davies.”

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HELP FOR THE INJURED.

TO THE EDITOR

Sir – Will you kindly permit me to use your columns for the purpose of convening a meeting, re above?

Fellow workmen, - We must all lament the terrible calamity that has occurred in our district, by which some of our mates have lost their lives and a number of others injured – some permanently.

Apart from how, why, or wherefore the accident occurred, I feel it my duty to take immediate action to call you together to decide how best we can help those who have lost husband, father, or son, and to provide funds for those who may be crippled for life. I feel confident of your desire to do something, and therefore have taken the liberty of calling a public meeting, to be held at the Public Hall, New Brompton, on Tuesday next, November 4th. Chair to be taken at 7.30 p.m.

Your attendance is sincerely invited. –

Yours respectfully,

W. J. Lewington.

New Brompton, Oct. 31, 1902

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LATEST INQUIRIES.

From latest inquiries made at the hospital – at mid-day to-day (Friday) – we learn that no further deaths have occurred. It is gratifying to announce that all the sufferers are making as satisfactory progress as can be expected. The worst case is that of Mr. William Collins, of Canterbury-road, New Brompton, who is still unconscious and in a very critical condition.

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THE GILLINGHAM COUNCIL AND THE CURVES.

When the Gillingham District Council met on Thursday,

The Chairman (Councillor J. R. Featherby) said he could not refrain from referring to the fearful accident on the line of route of the tramways near the Dockyard that morning, and to say how deeply the Council sympathised with the sufferers. He proposed that a vote of sympathy be passed with all those who suffered in any way by the accident.

This was seconded by Councillor J. Maynard, and carried.

The Chairman added that it might be thought the Council were somewhat to blame in the matter, he might state that the Council had from time to time endeavoured to prevail upon the Company to improve the curves at the bottom of Westcourt-street. He would like the clerk to read the corresponance between the council and the Company, to show that this was so.

The Clerk (Mr. F. C. Boucher) read the correspondence showing the anxiety of the Council that the curve at the bottom of the hill should be improved.

The Chairman said to his mind it was the question of expense that had kept the Company back.

Councillor T. Holmes asked whether the Council could not do something further at this stage to bring the matter home to the Company, because a similar accident was liable to happen at any time to a car that was fairly heavily loaded. A greasy road, or grit in the track might cause a driver to lose control of a car. There was no guarantee that such an accident could be prevented at that very dangerous curve. It was a very bad bit of road altogether, considering the hill. He took it that a Board of Trade enquiry would be held into the cause of the accident, and he thought it was desirable that the Council should be represented there to explain what had been done with regard to these curves. This was an important public matter affecting everybody. It was brought home to him very forcibly, seeing that one of his sons was on the car and was thrown onto his head with a number of others. He was not so seriously injured as some who were there, but it might be serious after all. He thought that the hill was so dangerous that arrangements might be made to take up passengers only at the bottom and top of the hill, and not have any traffic at all on the hill.

Councillor W. J. Lewington informed the Council that the accident occurred at the particular spot over which there had been so much contention. There was an enormous amount of friction at this particular point, and the Company had had to lay down three fresh points.

Councillor W. O. H. Herring said he was told that the Admiralty wanted £12,000 for the ground required by the Company at the bottom of the hill.

The Chairman: Better pay that than have a sacrifice of life.

Councillor W. King thought that one cause of the accident was the over-crowding of the car. The Company had had their attention drawn to this matter. It was radically wrong that so many passengers should be carried in a single car. Some of the cars had double the number of passengers they ought to carry. This accident was only what he and others had expected. He thought that one of the very strong points of the Council at an enquiry was to insist that the overcrowding should be stopped.

The Chairman said that he did not know how many men were on the car on this occasion. He saw in the paper that the number was placed at 80.

Councillor J. Maynard: 104.

Councillor Lewington disagreed with this.

Councillor J. Davies said he understood that there were only 60 on the car – ten beyond the proper compliment. Accidents were sure to occur at this curve, even if the cars were not heavily loaded.

Councillor Lewington pointed out that only a few passengers were on the car when an accident occurred at the spot a little time back.

Councillor Herring said that it was no good discussing the matter when the Council did not know the cause of the accident.

Councillor Lewington: All we can say now is that the accident might not have occurred but for the sharp curve.

It was decided, on the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Councillor Lewington, that the Council should be represented at any enquiry into the accident.

Councillor Lewington suggested that a subscription should be raised for sufferers and also to protect the rights of the injured.

The Chairman said there was no doubt the Company would be liable. If any subscription lists were necessary, he would be pleased to support it, but he did not think that should be started by the Council that day.

 

Done