Elizabeth, NJ Train Crash, Nov 1903

Fire Follows Train Crash.

Engineer Who Stuck to his Post Slightly Hurt in Elizabeth Accident.

Elizabeth, N.J., Nov. 21.-A Dunnellen local train on the Central Railroad of New Jersey crashed into a standing coal train at Chilton Street at 4:05 o’clock this morning. The engine of the passenger train mounted the caboose of the coaler and the caboose and the gondola next to it caught fire and were destroyed.

Peter Harsel of Elizabeth, engineer of the passenger train, stuck to his post an was hurt. His fireman jumped and escaped without injury, and Conductor Halsey Braset and the crew of the coaler also jumped and escaped injury. The few passengers on the train were badly shaken up, but none was injured. There were four coaches in the train, which was in charge of Conductor Alexander Wardsman. The Fire Department was called out and the flames from the burning caboose and gondola were extinguished.

An investigation is being made as to the cause of the accident. It is said that Engineer Harsel of the passenger train alleges that there were no end lights on the coal train, or that if there were he failed to see then in the darkness.

The New York Times, New York, NY 22 Nov 1903

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Transcribed by June. Thanks June!