Bridgeport, CT Train - Auto Wreck, Jun 1923

FAST TRAIN HITS MACHINE; DRIVER ESCAPES DEATH

Luigi Biogiono Taken to Hospital Suffering from Painful Abrasions Received in Crash.

BACK END OF CAR IS CRUMPLED BY IMPACT

Lighted Sign Is Only Caution During Night At Reservoir Avenue Railroad Crossing.

Passing over the Berkshire division railroad tracks at the Reservoir avenue grade crossing at 8:30 o’clock last night, an automobile driven by Luigi Biogino, of 672 Knowlton street, was struck in the rear by a fast passenger train bound for Bridgeport from Danbury. Twisted around by the tremendous force of the impact, the automobile, the back end stove in and crumpled, was tossed to one side of the road.
Biogiono was only superficially hurt. A painful abrasion of the forehead was the most serious injury he suffered. He was rushed to St. Vincent’s hospital in an automobile commandeered by Nicholas Liberto, of 150 Thompson street, but upon examination by physicians it was found he did not require overnight treatment, and her was removed to his home, after his head bruise had been dresses.

Lone Light As Caution.

Vehicle drivers, it is said, are protected at the crossing by a flagman only up to 6 o’clock at night. During the ermainder [sic] of the night a lighted sign is the sole caution.

On his way to Stadtlers park, off Sylvan avenue, to meet members of his family, who had spent the day there at a picnic, Biogiono was traveling northward up an incline. He is said to have been almost at the Reservoir avenue crossing before he noted the approach of the train going southeast across the avenue.

Instead of back away, it is claimed, to permit the train to pass, Biogiono put on speed and attempted to beat it across. He failed, the engine striking the rear left side of his car.

Train Stops Quickly.

There was a resounding crash that frightened passengers aboard the train, who distinctly felt the jolt of the collision followed by the noise of rending wood and metal on Biogiono’s smashed up automobile. The train stopped as quickly as possible, and the wrecked car and driver viewed by the crew. When itw [sic] as learned Biogiono was not seriously injured, the train continued to Bridgeport.

Among the first to reach the crossing, attracted by hte [sic] roar of the collision, was Nicholas Liberto, of 150 Thompson street. He found Biogiono, dazed from shock, ruefully nursing his bumped forehead. He stopped a passing automobile and hurried with him to St. Vincent’s hospital, later making arrangements to have the damaged automobile towed to a garage.

Bridgeport Telegram, Bridgeport, CT 4 Jun 1923
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Transcribed by Jenni Lanham. Thank you, Jenni!