MOUNT ALEXANDER MAIL JANUARY 19 1898
SHOCKING RAILWAY FATALITY
A MAN FRIGHTFULLY MUTILATED
A profound sensation was experienced yesterday afternoon when the thrilling intelligence became rapidly circulated that an old resident, Mr Thomas Whittaker, the well-known fruiterer , was killed by a train at the railway crossing at Hargreave Street. A very short time before this dire catastrophe, he was talking to a friend in Forest Street, while on his way, he said, to purchase fruit. He proceeded on his mission, crossed the line, and was returning when the rueful fatality at the crossing occurred. Being somewhat deaf, and much in the habit of walking with his eyes fixed on the ground, it may be conjectured that he was in this unobservant mood as to objects passing around him, when he entered upon the line without looking as to the imminent danger he was incurring. The train from Melbourne, due at the station at 3.35 o’clock was approaching, and though he had not apparently been looking if the line was clear, he was observed by the engine driver as being unobservant, who whistled, he said, and kept the whistle going, but Mr Whittaker did not hear the menacing sound. When the engine was about six yards from him, he became startled, looked at the driver, but in his fright and confusion, he ran along the line for a couple of steps in front of the engine, instead of leaping to one side, the result being he was thrown down by the cow-catcher and his body dreadfully torn. The train proceeded as far as the junction with the Maldon line, before it was stopped. When it reached the station, the engine-driver promptly informed the station master and Constable O’Loughlin, who was on the platform, as to the fatal accident. Upon the engine blood and brains of the unfortunate deceased were to be seen. Constable O’Loughlin quickly procured a cab, and drove to the harrowing scene that soon presented itself to him. Sergeant Armstrong also heard of the accident and was quickly on the spot.
The body of poor Whittaker had been carried along the line for about 50 yards and was seen to be awfully mutilated. The head was crushed, on the side of the body was a deep gash, above the ankle the part was nearly severed, only a slight attachment keeping it together, the toes were cut off, the arms broken and torn; one arm was so nearly cut through that it was hanging as if by the skin.
His remains were removed to his house, situated in Saint Street, near the railway line. A stretcher was obtained for this purpose, and by this time a crowd was collecting. The shock to Mrs Whittaker on seeing her lifeless husband brought home in this condition may well be conceived, and much sympathy will be felt for her under such a grievous bereavement.
Mr Whittaker was a resident of the town for over 40 years, and was well-known throughout the district. He had reached the 74th year of his life so his faculties were not so acute as they were at an earlier period of his life, for had they not been impaired he might have escaped the sad manner of his death. On the line some of the money he had was scattered about, but it was collected, and is now in charge of Sergeant Armstrong, who holds 14 pounds in notes, a sovereign, and 10s 8d.
A magisterial inquiry will be held this forenoon by Mr Elliot, JP, when the engine-driver and fireman of the railway engine will be present to render their evidence. It is understood that a man saw the accident, and an endeavour will be made to hear what account he has to give of the fatality. This is not the only case where life was lost. Mr Harrison’s son, a young lad, a man named James Webb, and another person were killed at the same crossing.
***************************************************
Funeral Notice
The friends of the late Mr Thomas Whittaker are respectfully invited to follow his remains to the place of interment, the Castlemaine Cemetery.
The Funeral will move from his late residence in Saint street, THIS DAY at 6? O’clock.
THOS. ODGERS &CO.
Undertakers.
***************************************************
Bereavement Card
________
We beg to thank all kind friends who sent floral tributes, and bestowed great sympathy for us in our sad bereavement; also our warm Thanks to the police for their care and thoughtful consideration for the remains of Mr Whittaker.
ROSE WHITTAKER AND FAMILY.
_________
The Mount Alexander Mail
PUBLISHED DAILY
CASTLEMAINE JANUARY 27, 1898