Ligonier Valley Rail Road Newspaper Articles
We have compiled over 1,400 newspaper articles that mention the Ligonier Valley Railroad, or related subjects. The articles were originally published starting in 1873 and our collection runs through 1995. Enjoy!
Latrobe Bulletin
Wednesday, November 19, 1913
Automobile Struck By Engine On "Y" Crossing; Three Occupants Of Car Have Narrow Escape
Dr. T. W. Moran had another close call on a railroad crossing, late yesterday afternoon.
The Lives of Mrs. Brosky and her daughter, both of Loyalhanna, and who were passengers in the physician's automobile, were also imperiled.
All three were injured, slightly, Mrs. Brosky receiving two bad cuts on her face; the daughter suffering from the shock; and Dr. Moran's right leg being painfully twisted.
The doctor's White-gas car was struck by a shifting "Liggie" engine, on the east crossing of the L.V.R.R. "Y" located near the plant of the Latrobe Brick Company.
Dr. Moran was returning from Loyalhanna, bringing the two women to his office for the purpose of examining the daughter who has been ill for some time.
When he reached the crossing, he states that he slowed the machine down to low speed to cross the rough tracks. The view up and down the tracks was blocked by strings of
freight cars. Without giving any warning, he says, the engine, running light, came down the track toward Latrobe. As soon as the physician got on the tracks with his car he saw the rapidly approaching engine. He realized that a collision was inevitable but managed to get nearly over the tracks, so that when the engine struck the auto, it was near the rear and the machine was pushed off to the side.
The left rear wheel of the car was torn off, but the car did not overturn. Mrs. Brosky and her daughter were hurled to the floor of the car, the older woman striking the coat rack as she fell, cutting her face in two places.
Dr. Moran states that he received no warning whatever of the approach of the engine, neither the bell having been rung nor the whistle blown. He says that the trainmen admitted that the blame was theirs, and that Samuel McDonald, who witnessed the accident confirms this.
Following the accident Dr. Moran took the women to his office where he sewed up the cuts sustained by Mrs. Brosky. The women were then taken to their home in Loyalhanna. Mrs. Brosky is about 55 years of age and her daughter 25.
The train crew, Engineer Byers, Fireman Welch, Conductor Piper and Brakeman Holeman, were all riding on the engine. Piper and Holeman were riding behind the tank and did not see the accident.
Fireman Welch said, this morning, that he was unable to see the approaching machine on account of the string of box cars on the adjoining track, which blocked his view. Although it is the custom to ring the bell when approaching a crossing, he did not ring his bell at this time, as he did not think his engine was as close to the crossing as it was. Conductor Piper said that it was impossible for either those in the auto or the enginemen to see one another on account of the string of box cars.