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Accident occurred on DSS&A Ry., near South Ishpeming

Peter White Public Library

Railroad accidents

Railroad Employees

Railroad Defects

AB01a131

text

Accident occurred upon the DSS&A Railroad near Ishpeming, on the 30th day of May 1887, 345 o'clcok, pm, caused by: Train breaking in two. (coupling pin broke). Engineman, Samuel Wilkes, who had been to the telegraph office, on coming out, in place of going to his engine, signalled the fireman to go ahead, which he did. Wilkes jumped on an ore car about 30 cars from the engine and was going forward toward walking over the top of the ore cars when train parted, just as he was passing between the cars. He fell to the ground, and was run over by 13 cars. Right arm taken off close to the shoulder, head badly cut, besides internal injuries. He died at 4 am on the 31st of May. The family did not desire an inquest, and the Railroad Company did not insist on it. Casualties; one employee killed.