Here is an article headlined "Accident on the Alleghany Portage Railroad" that was published originally in the 16 May 1838 issue of Philadelphia's "Public Ledger." Partial Quotation: "A train of cars were ascending one of the inclined planes, when a locomotive at the top of the road, through some carelessness, became loose, started down, came in collision with the cars, passing clear through three, doing damage to others, and severely injuring and hurting some of the passengers, breaking limbs, &c." Source: Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site. |