Since our last issue considerable excitement has prevailed at and near Yale, owing to some accidents up the line a short distance. Rumors are always wild; and we are happy to say, in the present case, greatly exaggerated.
It would appear that while Mr. Duncan Macbeth was tamping a blast about 2 ˝ miles above Yale he caused a premature explosion, receiving part of the powder back in his face, while his hands were badly burned and two fingers shattered. A man named Galway had his thigh badly crushed, but is, like Mr. Macbeth, now in a fair way for recovery. Both are in the hospital, receiving proper attention.
Monday, about 4 miles up the line, a blast was let off at the side hill cutting, which caused a great shaking up of rock, that tumbled into the road, blocking up the highway. A number of men proceeded to remove the obstruction, when the earth and rocks from the side of the hill near where the blasting had been done commenced rushing down upon the workmen, and before part of them could get out of the way they were caught and partly buried in the falling earth, stones, etc. Efforts were immediately made to free the unfortunate men from their perilous positions. It was found that none had been killed, although some of them seriously injured. They were removed to the hospital and are being attended to. We learn the names of the injured men are:
Mr. Cavillie, blow on the back, fracturing the ribs and causing internal injuries; Mr. Jenkins, a comminuted fracture of the leg; Mr. Fink, two fingers broken and ankle dislocated; Mr. McLean, shoulder blade broken; Mr. Kelly, severe bruises on the back of shoulder. Besides these severe injuries each of the men have smaller wounds in various parts of the body.
No deaths have occurred since the 15th of June, except the one after the fire, and while it is to be regretted that the hospital accommodation is too limited at present, we are glad to be able to say that the Yale hospital will be immediately enlarged to accommodate 30 beds, and another hospital is to be erected at Spence’s Bridge, and an assistant doctor stationed there. We have reason to believe that the headman of the Railway desire to take every precaution possible against accidents, and we believe if the men themselves were more cautious less injuries would have to be reported. Far better take time and move with caution.
