A Train Tragedy.

Hastings Standard, Issue 326, 19 May 1897, Page 4

A Train Tragedy.

STRUGGLE WITH A MADMAN. At the Manchester Assizes on March 10. an action was heard in which Annie Selina Fairhurst sought to recover damages from the Midhurst Railway company for the loss of her husband, whose death she alleged was due to the neglect of servants of the company. The plaintiff was the widow of a member of the Manchester Volunteer Medical Staff corps. Last Whit-week he accompanied the corps to Notley, with his brother-in-law named Pierce, where he became unwell. The morning after arrival he started to return home, and got as far as Birmingham in safety with his companion Pierce. Upon leaving that city, at 10 o'clock at night, the deceased showed signs of insanity, and created considerable commotion in the carriage. The collector locked the two men in the compartment, in which a struggle ensued. Pierce held the deceased down, but the latter eventually got his feet out of the window. All this time persons in the next compartment, who heard the noise, tried to get the train stopped, but neither the attention of the guard nor the engine-driver could be attracted. The train ran a distance of 31 miles without stopping, and the man fell from the carriage somewhere near Tamworth. WTien the train came to a standstill at Burton the communication cord was found to be hanging down in a loop, and was out of order. After evidence had been called by Mr Shee, Q.C., Mr Bigharn said the railway companies were not supposed to lay themselves out for the carriage of maniacs, and submitted that there was no case for the jury to consider. The act was the act of a man, and not of the company. After a legal point had been discussed Mr Shee said his friend had agreed to the sum of £350. The jury then apportioned £250 to the widow and £SO each to her owo children.