By Isle of Wight Observer
The Isle of Wight Observer published on 21st December, 1889, tells of two near misses on railway lines that are no more.
NEWPORT.
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MARVELLOUS ESCAPE OF A SERGEANT. – Sergeant Holly, of the Royal Engineers, stationed at Freshwater, narrowly escaped death at Newport (I.W.) station on Saturday evening. It appears that he made an attempt to cross the line to his wife, who was in the Freshwater train, but as he was doing so saw the Freshwater train coming in. He simultaneously found that the outgoing Sandown train blocked his way for crossing. He then endeavoured to return to the platform from which he had started, but there was not sufficient time, however, for the engine caught him in the side and knocked him down on to the line. He fell in the 4ft. way, and the engine passed over him, only dragging him a yard or two. He was at once removed to the surgery of Messrs. Foster and Coombs, where it was found that he had received a severe cut over the eye and a wound at the back on the head. His injuries having been attended to, he was conveyed in a carriage to Freshwater, where he was placed in the cage of the regimental surgeon.
A RAILWAY GUARD SERIOUSLY INJURED. – A guard, named Langdon, in the employ of the Isle of Wight Central Railway Company, was in charge of the 8.10 train from Newport to Ryde on Saturday evening, and when at Wootton made an attempt to enter the break van while the train was in motion. He missed his step and immediately fell between the van and the platform on to the line. Medical assistance was procured as soon as he had been raised from the line and found to be much injured. Messrs. Foster and Coombs went down from Newport as quickly as possible, and attended the unfortunate man, bringing him to Newport by the next train. He was conveyed to his home on a stretcher. His injuries are not of such a serious nature as were at first anticipated, but he has periods of unconsciousness.