"Distressing Accident on the Wisbech-Upwell Tramway" from the 'Wisbech Standard', 1 May 1914

"Distressing Accident on the Wisbech-Upwell Tramway"

Lady Run Over By Trucks

From the "Wisbech Standard", 1 May 1914
        
        A restive horse caused a serious accident on the Wisbech and Upwell Tramway on Saturday morning last,
        the result being that a lady named Mrs. SCOTT, of Christchurch, has sustained severe injuries.

        A little before eleven o'clock a trap in which were Mr. Frank SCOTT, [son of Mr. Jesse SCOTT], his wife, 
        and Mrs. SCOTT, widow of the late Mr. George SCOTT, of Christchurch, met a goods train near Boyce's Bridge, 
        proceeding in the direction of Upwell.  As the tram drew near the horse became restive and Mr. SCOTT, who
        was driving, jumped down in order to get to the animal's head.  Before he could do so, however, the horse backed 
        the trap into the tram, the consequence being that both Mrs. SCOTT, sen., and Mrs. SCOTT, jun., were thrown
        out of the vehicle, one of the wheels of which was in collision, torn off.

        Meanwhile the tram had almost got by, but unfortunately, the last two trucks passed over the legs of Mrs. SCOTT,
        sen., whilst Mrs. SCOTT, jun., had a very narrow escape, her clothing being torn by the wheels of the truck.  It
        was at once seen that Mrs. SCOTT had sustained injuries of a serious nature, and she was conveyed in Mr. Wm. 
        Welchman's motor car, which happened to be passing at the time, to the North Cambs. Hospital. It was fortunate
        that such a speedy means of transit was close at hand at the time, for the injured lady was in very immediate
        need of surgical treatment.

        At the Hospital an operation was instantly formed by Dr. M.F. Tylor, who had the assistance of Drs. Lucas and
        Meacock.  It was found necessary to amputate both the unfortunate lady's legs in order to save her life, one being
        taken off below the knee and the other just above.  Happily the operation was performed with every success and the 
        patient is now progressing favourably.  In addition to the injuries mentioned, Mrs. SCOTT who is about 45 years 
        of age, suffered very considerably from shock.

        Mrs. SCOTT, jun., also sustained a severe shock as a result of the accident, but she was able to proceed to her 
        home later in the day.

        Several accidents have taken place on the tramway in recent years. 

        Notes: Mrs. Scott sen. was Mary Elizabeth TURNER of Christchurch until her marriage to George Gabriel 
                 SCOTT in 1902.  She died in 1935 and is buried with her husband in Upwell St. Peter's Churchyard. 

          Transcription © Ann McClean, 20 October 2013 
      
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