Fatal Miscalculation at the Tacoma Railyard

In the last issue of the Herald, a brief account was given of injuries received by assistant general superintendent N. D. Root of the N. P. R. R., but the particulars were meager. Although every attention possible was given, Mr. Root died on Thursday, February 14, and his remains were carried through Yakima, by special train, on the following day, to be consigned to the last resting-place at Rochester, N. Y.

The accident which resulted in his death occurred while watching the operations of a steam excavator and unloader, which was engaged in tearing away the bank near the south-end depot at Tacoma. Mr. Root was in the company of chief engineer Kendrick, principal assistant engineer H. S. Huson, and superintendent Horner. When a train of flat cars containing earth is unloaded, a plow, which passes the length of the train on top of the cars, is attached to the engine by a long steel cable. The locomotive is started with a jerk to overcome the inertia, and as the cars remain stationary, the plow is drawn the length of the train and the earth cast off to one side.

Mr. Root, while watching the work, attempted to pass between the cars and the locomotive. As he started, the signal to move the engine was made, but he did not hear it. His friends shouted, but the noise was too great for him to note the warning, and as he stepped near the cable the locomotive jerked the slack out of it, and the cable struck him in the abdomen, throwing him several feet in the air. His friends ran to his rescue and carried him to his private car. Dr. Davie was immediately summoned and did all that was possible to relieve his intense sufferings, but the injuries were fatal.

Mr. Root was an efficient and eminently practical railroad man, giving close attention to all the important details of railway management. In the six or seven years he had been connected with the Northern Pacific road, Mr. Root had been dispatcher, division superintendent, assistant superintendent, and assistant general superintendent, and had been considered by the management of the road one of their most efficient men, and withal a man with a kind heart, respected and beloved by all who knew him.