Railroad Accidents in Massachusetts

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During the seven years ending 1852, fifty-five million, three hundred and lifty-seven thousand, four hundred and fifteen (55,357,-415) passengers were carried over the railroads in Massachusetts. Forty-two passengers were killed—twenty of tha number in consequence of their own heedlessness, in attempting to get upon or jump from the trains while in motion, or standing on the platform of the cars, contrary to the published and well known rules of the different roads. One hundred and fourteen (114) were killed while walking or sleeping on the tracks ol the roads. Of these several were deaf and dumb, and some are reported to have been partially blind. In one year, seven persons were killed while walking or sleeping on the track of the Boston and Providence Railroad, and during that year no accident of any other kind occurred. Oae hundred and twenty, (120) employees were killed, thirty-two of the number by being brought in contact with bridges. Two were killed in consequence of the explosion of boilers. In the year 1852, three thousand, nine hundred and ninety-two men were employed in working the railroads of the State, exclusive of those engaged in construction.

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