Statement taken by Asst-Superintendent G.R. Thomas from Engineer L. Smuin in connection with engine 3481 striking
Joseph George, mileage 28.1 Merritt subdivision, January 20th.
I was engineer on engine 3481 out of Brookmere on January 20th. We were called for 14.25 and left Brookmere at
14.45. Approaching a curve to the left at mileage 28.1, at a speed of about 25 miles per hour, Fireman Campbell who was with me on
the engine, shouted and at the same time got up off his seat and realizing there was something wrong I immediately applied the
brake in emergency and pulled the whistle open and about the same time a man came into my view walking in the middle of the
track ahead of the engine and before engine got stopped he was struck and when engine came to a stop he was under the pilot about
up to his stomach and apparently had been pushed ahead of the engine in that position for a short distance. After stopping it was
necessary to back the engine off the injured man. After this was done injured man was carried into the caboose and train returned
to Merritt where he was attended by Dr. Gillis on arrival of train and taken to the hospital.
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What time of day did this accident take place?
About 16.30.
Was the headlight on engine burning?
Yes, the dynamo was running and all lights were on.
Where had you sounded the engine whistle previous to the man being struck?
I had sounded the whistle for the crossing which is about six pole lengths east of where man was struck and again about
three pole lengths from where he was struck, I did this on account of approaching a double curve.
Did you have any conversation with injured man immediately after the accident?
