A jury at the resumed inquest in Brampton, Cumberland, has returned a verdict of manslaughter against William James Oliver, the crossing-gates keeper who was killed in a collision at Naworth level crossing on August 30. The accident resulted in the deaths of eight passengers traveling in a motor-coach, and the jury found that Oliver’s own neglect was a contributing factor to his death.

Testimony from Dr. Arnott of Brampton indicated that all but one of the victims died instantly from their injuries. Among the injured was Mrs. Bairnsfather, the widow of one of the deceased, who remained hospitalized with partial consciousness but was expected to recover.

William Frederick Foster Lamb, the motor-coach driver, who was also injured in the incident, provided his first account at the inquest. He reported that the vehicle carried approximately 15 passengers, with three seated alongside him in the front. As the coach approached the level crossing, Lamb slowed to about 10 to 12 miles per hour and shifted into third gear. Upon seeing the gates closed, a passenger named Nathan Green sounded the horn. At that point, no one was visible near the crossing.

Following the horn, the crossing-gate keeper, identified as Oliver, appeared and began opening the gate nearest the motor-coach, followed immediately by the other gate. Oliver then signaled Lamb to proceed. After advancing onto the tracks, Lamb looked left and right; he saw no trains on the right but caught sight of an express locomotive approaching rapidly on the left. He accelerated fully in an effort to clear the crossing, but the motor-coach was struck by the train, likely at its rear end. Lamb could not specify the exact point of impact.

In summing up the case, the coroner emphasized that Oliver failed to follow any of the safety precautions required by the railway company at level crossings. Based on the evidence, the jury determined that Oliver’s neglect led to the fatal accident and ultimately to his own death.