Details of Railway Accidents in the Ottawa Area

1871, September 4 - Fatal accident at Pakenham, Brockville and Ottawa Railway

Almonte Gazette 8 September 1871 FATAL ACCIDENT ON THE B. & O. RAILWAY - MAN GETS BOTH LEGS MANGLED - HIS DEATH - VERDICT OF THE JURY. Shortly after the evening train going north had left Pakenham station, a man was observed to fall between two cars. The train was at once stopped, when a Frenchman named Gregoire Arrisuis, was found lying on the track bleeding, three cars having passed over his legs. He was one of a gang bound for the shanty. The conductor backed up his train to the station  and as soon as possible conveyed him to McPherson's hotel, where he at once received medical attention. Amputation of both legs below the knee was found necessary, and chloroform having been administered the operation was skillfully performed by Drs. Sweetland of Ottawa, Pickup of Pakenham and Ward of Sand Point, who happened fortunately to be in the village at the time. Just the shock of the accident was so great and the depressing effect of having lost so much blood, that he never rallied - but gradually sunk and expired about four o'clock this morning (Tuesday). An inquest was held today by Dr. Burns, coroner, when a verdict of accidental death was returned. Although no blame is attached to any of the railway officials in this case, as passengers are expressly forbidden to move about from one car to another, it would add much to the safety of those having business or otherwise if the ends of the cars were constructed as in some lines to come more closely together, which no doubt would in a measure prevent accidents of a like nature.

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Updated 28 November 2021