VICTOR KOWALSKI
(1911 - 1930)
SIX HURT IN TRAIN-CAR SMASH
YOUTH HAS LEGS TORN OFF AS CAR HITS FREIGHT TRAIN NEAR SCENE WHERE FIVE LOST LIVES RECENTLY
Several Believed Badly Hurt As Freight Train Continues On Way With Members of Crew Unaware That Car Struck Train
A blood transfusion will be attempted today by physicians in an effort to make up a deficiency in blood for Victor Kowalski, the more seriously injured of six persons who were occupants of a car hit by a Northwestern freight train south of the city last night. Kowalski bled considerably as his two legs were severed above the ankle.
Reports from the attending physicians early this afternoon were that Miss Eleanore Behrendt is also seriously injured and may be suffering from a fractured skull and other injuries. The other occupants of the car were suffering from multiple lacerations, of the face and scalp generally, and were said to be in no grave danger.
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A second grade crossing accident south of this city, within a period of less than a month is expected to result in at least one fatality. Six occupants of a closed automobile are patients at the Holy Family Hospital as result of their automobile having crashed into a freight train about one mile south and one mile west of Manitowoc shortly before midnight last night. The accident occurred within one and one-half miles of the August 1 crash in which five persons were killed and several others seriously injured.
The injured are:
VICTOR KOWALSKI, 19, of 1126 S. Twenty-third street, both legs torn off above the ankle, otherwise cut and bruised, me be internally hurt. Not expected to live:
OLOIS ROZMORINOSKI, 19, of 1009 S. Twenty-third street, driver of the car, full extent of injuries not determined;
MARIE GRALL, 14 year old high school student of 1305 Spring street, unconscious up until this morning; full extent of injuries unknown;
EMMA GRALL, 18, 1305 Spring street; injured ankle, extent of injuries not determined;
ELEANORE BEHRENT, 18, 605 S. Eighteenth street, extent of injuries not determined;
EDWIN OSESEK, 18, 1134 South Twenty-fifth street, cut and bruised.
Returning To City
According to Walter Thompson, South Eighteenth street, the south-bound freight train continued on its way after the accident with the crew apparently unaware of the tragedy which had occurred a the crossing. The badly wrecked 1927 Chevrolet coach containing the accident victims was being subjected to a continuous pounding as the many cars making up the freight train passed the scene. When Thompson, the first arrival at the scene, drove up to the crossing, the maimed and injured were apparently helpless and Thompson rushed to the Max Strauss farm home to notify Sheriff Herman Carstens and the city police ambulance was immediately rushed to the scene of the accident to convey the injured to the hospital.
Returning to the wrecked automobile, Thomason assisted others in removing the injured from it and described the scene as one to chill anyone as the occupants were covered with blood and several were unconscious and appeared to be dead. The mangled legs of young Kowalski with the feet hanging on by shreds of flesh were partly protruding from the wreck before he could be pulled out. As he was being lifted from the machine one of the feet fell off owing to the weight of the shoe.
Girl Is Rescued
Marie Grall, the 14-year-old high school girl, was apparently thrown from the rear seat in which she was riding to the front of the car and her unconscious form was being buffeted by the passing cars before young Osesek, who remained conscious, saw her and pulled her to safety before she dropped under the wheels of the cars.
The injured were immediately place in the police ambulance and in cars driven by Walter Thomson and Eugene Maresch, S 11th Street, before being rushed to the hospital.
Examined Today
Information regarding the condition of the injured was not expected to be available until late this afternoon as X-ray pictures were being taken this morning.
The blood bespattered coach was later hauled to Manitowoc and it was necessary to place it in a warehouse owing to the many people blocking the driveway at the St. Clair Chevrolet company. As early as 4 o'clock this morning, the morbidly curious started to arrive to note that the right side of the car was entirely wrecked and that only minor damage had been caused to the left side.
Were Proceeding East
Occupants of the wrecked automobile were proceeding to Manitowoc after having taken a short ride into the county. They had been at the county fair, according to a brother of the Grall girls, and left there at about 11 o'clock, They were driving east on the road which leads to the Lake Shore road about one mile south of Calvary cemetery.
The boys were apparently the more seriously injured and were said to have been seated in the front seat of the car while the three girls were said to be occupying the rear seat of the closed automobile.
Crossing on Rise
According to Sheriff Herman Carstens and others who were at the scene of the accident shortly after it occurred, the crossing in question is on a slight elevation and is visible for some distance during the daytime. It is believed, however, that the fact that the headlights of the train were several hundreds of yards ahead of the crossing led the driver of the automobile to believe that the train had already passed the intersection or else he was unaware of the location of the crossing.
Rozmorinoski was not driving the machine at an excessive rate of speed at the time of the crash, young Thompson stating that he was driving at about 10 or 12 miles an hour when Rozmorinoski passed him. The crash of the train and car was plainly heard over the several blocks separating the Thompson and Rozmorinoski cars, Thompson said.
Darkness Delays Rescue
Efforts of those at the accident to relieve the injured were considerably handicapped by the almost total darkness of the night and it was not until headlights were played upon the scene of the wreckage by arriving cars that the injured persons could be found.
Other Sister In Hospital
The accident which resulted in the Grall sisters becoming patients at the hospital here made three members of the family in the institution, another sister, Florence, 17, having been operated there recently and is being still confined there.
Manitowoc Herald News, Wis., Thursday, August 21, 1930 pg. 1
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AMPUTATE LEGS OF YOUTH HURT AT CROSSING
Badly Mangled Legs of V. Kowalski Are Amputated Today; Others Show Improvement
Badly mangled legs of Victor Kowalski, 19 year old South Twenty-third street youth who was one of six persons injured when the car in which they were riding crashed into a Northwestern freight train south of Manitowoc late Wednesday night, were operated upon at the hospital this morning and amputation of each was completed, one of the legs being taken off six inches below the knee while the other was removed about four inches below the knee. Yesterday a blood transfusion was resorted to in the effort to make up the deficiency in blood and was said to have been successful.
Only one of the other five persons is seriously injured, Miss Eleanore Behrent, 18, suffering from a fractured jaw and other injuries which will necessitate her confinement at the hospital for some time, it is believed.
Two Others To Leave
Additional X-ray pictures were taken of the injuries of Emma Grall 18, and Marie Grall, 14, but it was said that present indications were that neither was seriously injured and that they might be able to leave the hospital in a short time.
Edwin Osesek, 18, and Alois Rosmorinoski, 19, the latter driver of the car were said to have escaped with lacerations and bruises and will be able to leave the hospital late today or tomorrow.
Tragedy is Shock
A possibility that Kowalski, riding as a passenger at the time of the accident, may not survive his injuries still remained today and added to the general horror over the ghastliness of the accident when it was first learned that his legs had virtually been torn from his body by the impact and grind of the collision.
Manitowoc Herald News, Wis., Friday, August 22, 1930 pg. 1
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FEAR IS FELT AS KOWALSKI WORSE TODAY
A turn for the worse in the condition of victor Kowalski, the more seriously injured of six persons when the coach in which they were riding struck a Northwestern freight train south of Manitowoc late Wednesday night, was noted at the hospital early this afternoon and the youth's condition has caused apprehension. Kowalski's two legs were amputated below the knee yesterday morning after it was seen that their badly mangled condition would not permit their healing.
Alois Rozmorinoski and Edwin Osesek, occupants of the front seat with Kowalski at the time of the accident, were able to leave the hospital yesterday as they suffered from cuts and bruises only.
The three occupants of the rear seat, Misses Emma Grall, 18, Marie Grall, 14, and Eleanore Behrendt were not seriously injured and will soon be able to leave the hospital.
Manitowoc Herald News, Wis., Saturday, August 23, 1930 pg. 2
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INJURIES CLAIM VICTOR KOWALSKI
IS SIXTH TO DIE IN MONTH FROM CRASHES
Injuries Sustained Last Wednesday End in Death Early Today, Rest Are Improving
Manitowoc's sixth automobile fatality of the present month occurred at the Holy Family hospital at 4:30 o'clock this morning when Victor Kowalski, 19, one of the six persons injured when the car in which they were passengers struck a Chicago and Northwestern freight train south of Manitowoc late last Wednesday night, died as a result of the injuries sustained. With him at the time of his death were members of his immediate family. Five others died in a railway grade smash about one and one-half miles away on August 1.
Hope for the recovery of the boy whose legs were so badly mangled that it was necessary to amputate both of them below the knees had been faint from the time of the injury but the operation and blood transfusion was resorted to and every effort was made to save his life. The loss of blood and the tremendous shock to the nervous system proved too great a handicap, however, and death relieved his almost continuous sufferings since last Wednesday, early today.
Others Are Improved
Alois Rozmorinoski, 19 and the driver of the automobile in the crash and Edwin Osesek, 18, were able to leave the hospital several days ago as their injuries were only minor, the Grall sisters, Emma and Marie, were expected to be able to leave the hospital sometime today for their 1305 Spring street home while Eleanore Behrendt, 18, will remain a patient at the institution for some time with her broken jaw and other injuries.
The six were injured when the car crashed into the southbound freight train as they were enjoying a ride into the country after attending the county fair.
Was Native of City
Victor Kowalski spent his entire lifetime in Manitowoc. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Kowalski, 1126 South Twenty-third street, and was born in this city on March 10, 1911. After attending the St. Mary's parochial school, he was employed in this city. Besides his bereaved parents, he is survived by two brothers, Sylvester and Alois, both of Manitowoc.
Funeral services will be held from the St. Mary's church at 9 o'clock Wednesday morning with Rev. Father J.M. Pociecha. Interment will take place at Evergreen.
Manitowoc Herald News, Wis., Monday, August 25, 1930 pg. 2
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CARD OF THANKS
We wish to express out sincere thanks to relatives, neighbors and friends for sympathy and kindness shown us during our recent bereavement, the death of our son and brother, Victor Kowalski. Special thanks to Father Pociecha and attending priests, the pallbearers, donors of cars, flowers and spiritual bouquets.
MR. AND MRS. JOHN KOWALSKI AND FAMILY
Manitowoc Herald News, Wis., Friday, August 22, 1930 pg. 1
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(1911 - 1930)
SIX HURT IN TRAIN-CAR SMASH
YOUTH HAS LEGS TORN OFF AS CAR HITS FREIGHT TRAIN NEAR SCENE WHERE FIVE LOST LIVES RECENTLY
Several Believed Badly Hurt As Freight Train Continues On Way With Members of Crew Unaware That Car Struck Train
A blood transfusion will be attempted today by physicians in an effort to make up a deficiency in blood for Victor Kowalski, the more seriously injured of six persons who were occupants of a car hit by a Northwestern freight train south of the city last night. Kowalski bled considerably as his two legs were severed above the ankle.
Reports from the attending physicians early this afternoon were that Miss Eleanore Behrendt is also seriously injured and may be suffering from a fractured skull and other injuries. The other occupants of the car were suffering from multiple lacerations, of the face and scalp generally, and were said to be in no grave danger.
________
A second grade crossing accident south of this city, within a period of less than a month is expected to result in at least one fatality. Six occupants of a closed automobile are patients at the Holy Family Hospital as result of their automobile having crashed into a freight train about one mile south and one mile west of Manitowoc shortly before midnight last night. The accident occurred within one and one-half miles of the August 1 crash in which five persons were killed and several others seriously injured.
The injured are:
VICTOR KOWALSKI, 19, of 1126 S. Twenty-third street, both legs torn off above the ankle, otherwise cut and bruised, me be internally hurt. Not expected to live:
OLOIS ROZMORINOSKI, 19, of 1009 S. Twenty-third street, driver of the car, full extent of injuries not determined;
MARIE GRALL, 14 year old high school student of 1305 Spring street, unconscious up until this morning; full extent of injuries unknown;
EMMA GRALL, 18, 1305 Spring street; injured ankle, extent of injuries not determined;
ELEANORE BEHRENT, 18, 605 S. Eighteenth street, extent of injuries not determined;
EDWIN OSESEK, 18, 1134 South Twenty-fifth street, cut and bruised.
Returning To City
According to Walter Thompson, South Eighteenth street, the south-bound freight train continued on its way after the accident with the crew apparently unaware of the tragedy which had occurred a the crossing. The badly wrecked 1927 Chevrolet coach containing the accident victims was being subjected to a continuous pounding as the many cars making up the freight train passed the scene. When Thompson, the first arrival at the scene, drove up to the crossing, the maimed and injured were apparently helpless and Thompson rushed to the Max Strauss farm home to notify Sheriff Herman Carstens and the city police ambulance was immediately rushed to the scene of the accident to convey the injured to the hospital.
Returning to the wrecked automobile, Thomason assisted others in removing the injured from it and described the scene as one to chill anyone as the occupants were covered with blood and several were unconscious and appeared to be dead. The mangled legs of young Kowalski with the feet hanging on by shreds of flesh were partly protruding from the wreck before he could be pulled out. As he was being lifted from the machine one of the feet fell off owing to the weight of the shoe.
Girl Is Rescued
Marie Grall, the 14-year-old high school girl, was apparently thrown from the rear seat in which she was riding to the front of the car and her unconscious form was being buffeted by the passing cars before young Osesek, who remained conscious, saw her and pulled her to safety before she dropped under the wheels of the cars.
The injured were immediately place in the police ambulance and in cars driven by Walter Thomson and Eugene Maresch, S 11th Street, before being rushed to the hospital.
Examined Today
Information regarding the condition of the injured was not expected to be available until late this afternoon as X-ray pictures were being taken this morning.
The blood bespattered coach was later hauled to Manitowoc and it was necessary to place it in a warehouse owing to the many people blocking the driveway at the St. Clair Chevrolet company. As early as 4 o'clock this morning, the morbidly curious started to arrive to note that the right side of the car was entirely wrecked and that only minor damage had been caused to the left side.
Were Proceeding East
Occupants of the wrecked automobile were proceeding to Manitowoc after having taken a short ride into the county. They had been at the county fair, according to a brother of the Grall girls, and left there at about 11 o'clock, They were driving east on the road which leads to the Lake Shore road about one mile south of Calvary cemetery.
The boys were apparently the more seriously injured and were said to have been seated in the front seat of the car while the three girls were said to be occupying the rear seat of the closed automobile.
Crossing on Rise
According to Sheriff Herman Carstens and others who were at the scene of the accident shortly after it occurred, the crossing in question is on a slight elevation and is visible for some distance during the daytime. It is believed, however, that the fact that the headlights of the train were several hundreds of yards ahead of the crossing led the driver of the automobile to believe that the train had already passed the intersection or else he was unaware of the location of the crossing.
Rozmorinoski was not driving the machine at an excessive rate of speed at the time of the crash, young Thompson stating that he was driving at about 10 or 12 miles an hour when Rozmorinoski passed him. The crash of the train and car was plainly heard over the several blocks separating the Thompson and Rozmorinoski cars, Thompson said.
Darkness Delays Rescue
Efforts of those at the accident to relieve the injured were considerably handicapped by the almost total darkness of the night and it was not until headlights were played upon the scene of the wreckage by arriving cars that the injured persons could be found.
Other Sister In Hospital
The accident which resulted in the Grall sisters becoming patients at the hospital here made three members of the family in the institution, another sister, Florence, 17, having been operated there recently and is being still confined there.
Manitowoc Herald News, Wis., Thursday, August 21, 1930 pg. 1
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AMPUTATE LEGS OF YOUTH HURT AT CROSSING
Badly Mangled Legs of V. Kowalski Are Amputated Today; Others Show Improvement
Badly mangled legs of Victor Kowalski, 19 year old South Twenty-third street youth who was one of six persons injured when the car in which they were riding crashed into a Northwestern freight train south of Manitowoc late Wednesday night, were operated upon at the hospital this morning and amputation of each was completed, one of the legs being taken off six inches below the knee while the other was removed about four inches below the knee. Yesterday a blood transfusion was resorted to in the effort to make up the deficiency in blood and was said to have been successful.
Only one of the other five persons is seriously injured, Miss Eleanore Behrent, 18, suffering from a fractured jaw and other injuries which will necessitate her confinement at the hospital for some time, it is believed.
Two Others To Leave
Additional X-ray pictures were taken of the injuries of Emma Grall 18, and Marie Grall, 14, but it was said that present indications were that neither was seriously injured and that they might be able to leave the hospital in a short time.
Edwin Osesek, 18, and Alois Rosmorinoski, 19, the latter driver of the car were said to have escaped with lacerations and bruises and will be able to leave the hospital late today or tomorrow.
Tragedy is Shock
A possibility that Kowalski, riding as a passenger at the time of the accident, may not survive his injuries still remained today and added to the general horror over the ghastliness of the accident when it was first learned that his legs had virtually been torn from his body by the impact and grind of the collision.
Manitowoc Herald News, Wis., Friday, August 22, 1930 pg. 1
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FEAR IS FELT AS KOWALSKI WORSE TODAY
A turn for the worse in the condition of victor Kowalski, the more seriously injured of six persons when the coach in which they were riding struck a Northwestern freight train south of Manitowoc late Wednesday night, was noted at the hospital early this afternoon and the youth's condition has caused apprehension. Kowalski's two legs were amputated below the knee yesterday morning after it was seen that their badly mangled condition would not permit their healing.
Alois Rozmorinoski and Edwin Osesek, occupants of the front seat with Kowalski at the time of the accident, were able to leave the hospital yesterday as they suffered from cuts and bruises only.
The three occupants of the rear seat, Misses Emma Grall, 18, Marie Grall, 14, and Eleanore Behrendt were not seriously injured and will soon be able to leave the hospital.
Manitowoc Herald News, Wis., Saturday, August 23, 1930 pg. 2
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INJURIES CLAIM VICTOR KOWALSKI
IS SIXTH TO DIE IN MONTH FROM CRASHES
Injuries Sustained Last Wednesday End in Death Early Today, Rest Are Improving
Manitowoc's sixth automobile fatality of the present month occurred at the Holy Family hospital at 4:30 o'clock this morning when Victor Kowalski, 19, one of the six persons injured when the car in which they were passengers struck a Chicago and Northwestern freight train south of Manitowoc late last Wednesday night, died as a result of the injuries sustained. With him at the time of his death were members of his immediate family. Five others died in a railway grade smash about one and one-half miles away on August 1.
Hope for the recovery of the boy whose legs were so badly mangled that it was necessary to amputate both of them below the knees had been faint from the time of the injury but the operation and blood transfusion was resorted to and every effort was made to save his life. The loss of blood and the tremendous shock to the nervous system proved too great a handicap, however, and death relieved his almost continuous sufferings since last Wednesday, early today.
Others Are Improved
Alois Rozmorinoski, 19 and the driver of the automobile in the crash and Edwin Osesek, 18, were able to leave the hospital several days ago as their injuries were only minor, the Grall sisters, Emma and Marie, were expected to be able to leave the hospital sometime today for their 1305 Spring street home while Eleanore Behrendt, 18, will remain a patient at the institution for some time with her broken jaw and other injuries.
The six were injured when the car crashed into the southbound freight train as they were enjoying a ride into the country after attending the county fair.
Was Native of City
Victor Kowalski spent his entire lifetime in Manitowoc. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Kowalski, 1126 South Twenty-third street, and was born in this city on March 10, 1911. After attending the St. Mary's parochial school, he was employed in this city. Besides his bereaved parents, he is survived by two brothers, Sylvester and Alois, both of Manitowoc.
Funeral services will be held from the St. Mary's church at 9 o'clock Wednesday morning with Rev. Father J.M. Pociecha. Interment will take place at Evergreen.
Manitowoc Herald News, Wis., Monday, August 25, 1930 pg. 2
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CARD OF THANKS
We wish to express out sincere thanks to relatives, neighbors and friends for sympathy and kindness shown us during our recent bereavement, the death of our son and brother, Victor Kowalski. Special thanks to Father Pociecha and attending priests, the pallbearers, donors of cars, flowers and spiritual bouquets.
MR. AND MRS. JOHN KOWALSKI AND FAMILY
Manitowoc Herald News, Wis., Friday, August 22, 1930 pg. 1
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VICTOR KOWALSKI
(1911 - 1930)
SIX HURT IN TRAIN-CAR SMASH
YOUTH HAS LEGS TORN OFF AS CAR HITS FREIGHT TRAIN NEAR SCENE WHERE FIVE LOST LIVES RECENTLY
Several Believed Badly Hurt As Freight Train Continues On Way With Members of Crew Unaware That Car Struck Train
A blood transfusion will be attempted today by physicians in an effort to make up a deficiency in blood for Victor Kowalski, the more seriously injured of six persons who were occupants of a car hit by a Northwestern freight train south of the city last night. Kowalski bled considerably as his two legs were severed above the ankle.
Reports from the attending physicians early this afternoon were that Miss Eleanore Behrendt is also seriously injured and may be suffering from a fractured skull and other injuries. The other occupants of the car were suffering from multiple lacerations, of the face and scalp generally, and were said to be in no grave danger.
________
A second grade crossing accident south of this city, within a period of less than a month is expected to result in at least one fatality. Six occupants of a closed automobile are patients at the Holy Family Hospital as result of their automobile having crashed into a freight train about one mile south and one mile west of Manitowoc shortly before midnight last night. The accident occurred within one and one-half miles of the August 1 crash in which five persons were killed and several others seriously injured.
The injured are:
VICTOR KOWALSKI, 19, of 1126 S. Twenty-third street, both legs torn off above the ankle, otherwise cut and bruised, me be internally hurt. Not expected to live:
OLOIS ROZMORINOSKI, 19, of 1009 S. Twenty-third street, driver of the car, full extent of injuries not determined;
MARIE GRALL, 14 year old high school student of 1305 Spring street, unconscious up until this morning; full extent of injuries unknown;
EMMA GRALL, 18, 1305 Spring street; injured ankle, extent of injuries not determined;
ELEANORE BEHRENT, 18, 605 S. Eighteenth street, extent of injuries not determined;
EDWIN OSESEK, 18, 1134 South Twenty-fifth street, cut and bruised.
Returning To City
According to Walter Thompson, South Eighteenth street, the south-bound freight train continued on its way after the accident with the crew apparently unaware of the tragedy which had occurred a the crossing. The badly wrecked 1927 Chevrolet coach containing the accident victims was being subjected to a continuous pounding as the many cars making up the freight train passed the scene. When Thompson, the first arrival at the scene, drove up to the crossing, the maimed and injured were apparently helpless and Thompson rushed to the Max Strauss farm home to notify Sheriff Herman Carstens and the city police ambulance was immediately rushed to the scene of the accident to convey the injured to the hospital.
Returning to the wrecked automobile, Thomason assisted others in removing the injured from it and described the scene as one to chill anyone as the occupants were covered with blood and several were unconscious and appeared to be dead. The mangled legs of young Kowalski with the feet hanging on by shreds of flesh were partly protruding from the wreck before he could be pulled out. As he was being lifted from the machine one of the feet fell off owing to the weight of the shoe.
Girl Is Rescued
Marie Grall, the 14-year-old high school girl, was apparently thrown from the rear seat in which she was riding to the front of the car and her unconscious form was being buffeted by the passing cars before young Osesek, who remained conscious, saw her and pulled her to safety before she dropped under the wheels of the cars.
The injured were immediately place in the police ambulance and in cars driven by Walter Thomson and Eugene Maresch, S 11th Street, before being rushed to the hospital.
Examined Today
Information regarding the condition of the injured was not expected to be available until late this afternoon as X-ray pictures were being taken this morning.
The blood bespattered coach was later hauled to Manitowoc and it was necessary to place it in a warehouse owing to the many people blocking the driveway at the St. Clair Chevrolet company. As early as 4 o'clock this morning, the morbidly curious started to arrive to note that the right side of the car was entirely wrecked and that only minor damage had been caused to the left side.
Were Proceeding East
Occupants of the wrecked automobile were proceeding to Manitowoc after having taken a short ride into the county. They had been at the county fair, according to a brother of the Grall girls, and left there at about 11 o'clock, They were driving east on the road which leads to the Lake Shore road about one mile south of Calvary cemetery.
The boys were apparently the more seriously injured and were said to have been seated in the front seat of the car while the three girls were said to be occupying the rear seat of the closed automobile.
Crossing on Rise
According to Sheriff Herman Carstens and others who were at the scene of the accident shortly after it occurred, the crossing in question is on a slight elevation and is visible for some distance during the daytime. It is believed, however, that the fact that the headlights of the train were several hundreds of yards ahead of the crossing led the driver of the automobile to believe that the train had already passed the intersection or else he was unaware of the location of the crossing.
Rozmorinoski was not driving the machine at an excessive rate of speed at the time of the crash, young Thompson stating that he was driving at about 10 or 12 miles an hour when Rozmorinoski passed him. The crash of the train and car was plainly heard over the several blocks separating the Thompson and Rozmorinoski cars, Thompson said.
Darkness Delays Rescue
Efforts of those at the accident to relieve the injured were considerably handicapped by the almost total darkness of the night and it was not until headlights were played upon the scene of the wreckage by arriving cars that the injured persons could be found.
Other Sister In Hospital
The accident which resulted in the Grall sisters becoming patients at the hospital here made three members of the family in the institution, another sister, Florence, 17, having been operated there recently and is being still confined there.
Manitowoc Herald News, Wis., Thursday, August 21, 1930 pg. 1
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AMPUTATE LEGS OF YOUTH HURT AT CROSSING
Badly Mangled Legs of V. Kowalski Are Amputated Today; Others Show Improvement
Badly mangled legs of Victor Kowalski, 19 year old South Twenty-third street youth who was one of six persons injured when the car in which they were riding crashed into a Northwestern freight train south of Manitowoc late Wednesday night, were operated upon at the hospital this morning and amputation of each was completed, one of the legs being taken off six inches below the knee while the other was removed about four inches below the knee. Yesterday a blood transfusion was resorted to in the effort to make up the deficiency in blood and was said to have been successful.
Only one of the other five persons is seriously injured, Miss Eleanore Behrent, 18, suffering from a fractured jaw and other injuries which will necessitate her confinement at the hospital for some time, it is believed.
Two Others To Leave
Additional X-ray pictures were taken of the injuries of Emma Grall 18, and Marie Grall, 14, but it was said that present indications were that neither was seriously injured and that they might be able to leave the hospital in a short time.
Edwin Osesek, 18, and Alois Rosmorinoski, 19, the latter driver of the car were said to have escaped with lacerations and bruises and will be able to leave the hospital late today or tomorrow.
Tragedy is Shock
A possibility that Kowalski, riding as a passenger at the time of the accident, may not survive his injuries still remained today and added to the general horror over the ghastliness of the accident when it was first learned that his legs had virtually been torn from his body by the impact and grind of the collision.
Manitowoc Herald News, Wis., Friday, August 22, 1930 pg. 1
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FEAR IS FELT AS KOWALSKI WORSE TODAY
A turn for the worse in the condition of victor Kowalski, the more seriously injured of six persons when the coach in which they were riding struck a Northwestern freight train south of Manitowoc late Wednesday night, was noted at the hospital early this afternoon and the youth's condition has caused apprehension. Kowalski's two legs were amputated below the knee yesterday morning after it was seen that their badly mangled condition would not permit their healing.
Alois Rozmorinoski and Edwin Osesek, occupants of the front seat with Kowalski at the time of the accident, were able to leave the hospital yesterday as they suffered from cuts and bruises only.
The three occupants of the rear seat, Misses Emma Grall, 18, Marie Grall, 14, and Eleanore Behrendt were not seriously injured and will soon be able to leave the hospital.
Manitowoc Herald News, Wis., Saturday, August 23, 1930 pg. 2
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INJURIES CLAIM VICTOR KOWALSKI
IS SIXTH TO DIE IN MONTH FROM CRASHES
Injuries Sustained Last Wednesday End in Death Early Today, Rest Are Improving
Manitowoc's sixth automobile fatality of the present month occurred at the Holy Family hospital at 4:30 o'clock this morning when Victor Kowalski, 19, one of the six persons injured when the car in which they were passengers struck a Chicago and Northwestern freight train south of Manitowoc late last Wednesday night, died as a result of the injuries sustained. With him at the time of his death were members of his immediate family. Five others died in a railway grade smash about one and one-half miles away on August 1.
Hope for the recovery of the boy whose legs were so badly mangled that it was necessary to amputate both of them below the knees had been faint from the time of the injury but the operation and blood transfusion was resorted to and every effort was made to save his life. The loss of blood and the tremendous shock to the nervous system proved too great a handicap, however, and death relieved his almost continuous sufferings since last Wednesday, early today.
Others Are Improved
Alois Rozmorinoski, 19 and the driver of the automobile in the crash and Edwin Osesek, 18, were able to leave the hospital several days ago as their injuries were only minor, the Grall sisters, Emma and Marie, were expected to be able to leave the hospital sometime today for their 1305 Spring street home while Eleanore Behrendt, 18, will remain a patient at the institution for some time with her broken jaw and other injuries.
The six were injured when the car crashed into the southbound freight train as they were enjoying a ride into the country after attending the county fair.
Was Native of City
Victor Kowalski spent his entire lifetime in Manitowoc. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Kowalski, 1126 South Twenty-third street, and was born in this city on March 10, 1911. After attending the St. Mary's parochial school, he was employed in this city. Besides his bereaved parents, he is survived by two brothers, Sylvester and Alois, both of Manitowoc.
Funeral services will be held from the St. Mary's church at 9 o'clock Wednesday morning with Rev. Father J.M. Pociecha. Interment will take place at Evergreen.
Manitowoc Herald News, Wis., Monday, August 25, 1930 pg. 2
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CARD OF THANKS
We wish to express out sincere thanks to relatives, neighbors and friends for sympathy and kindness shown us during our recent bereavement, the death of our son and brother, Victor Kowalski. Special thanks to Father Pociecha and attending priests, the pallbearers, donors of cars, flowers and spiritual bouquets.
MR. AND MRS. JOHN KOWALSKI AND FAMILY
Manitowoc Herald News, Wis., Friday, August 22, 1930 pg. 1
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(1911 - 1930)
SIX HURT IN TRAIN-CAR SMASH
YOUTH HAS LEGS TORN OFF AS CAR HITS FREIGHT TRAIN NEAR SCENE WHERE FIVE LOST LIVES RECENTLY
Several Believed Badly Hurt As Freight Train Continues On Way With Members of Crew Unaware That Car Struck Train
A blood transfusion will be attempted today by physicians in an effort to make up a deficiency in blood for Victor Kowalski, the more seriously injured of six persons who were occupants of a car hit by a Northwestern freight train south of the city last night. Kowalski bled considerably as his two legs were severed above the ankle.
Reports from the attending physicians early this afternoon were that Miss Eleanore Behrendt is also seriously injured and may be suffering from a fractured skull and other injuries. The other occupants of the car were suffering from multiple lacerations, of the face and scalp generally, and were said to be in no grave danger.
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A second grade crossing accident south of this city, within a period of less than a month is expected to result in at least one fatality. Six occupants of a closed automobile are patients at the Holy Family Hospital as result of their automobile having crashed into a freight train about one mile south and one mile west of Manitowoc shortly before midnight last night. The accident occurred within one and one-half miles of the August 1 crash in which five persons were killed and several others seriously injured.
The injured are:
VICTOR KOWALSKI, 19, of 1126 S. Twenty-third street, both legs torn off above the ankle, otherwise cut and bruised, me be internally hurt. Not expected to live:
OLOIS ROZMORINOSKI, 19, of 1009 S. Twenty-third street, driver of the car, full extent of injuries not determined;
MARIE GRALL, 14 year old high school student of 1305 Spring street, unconscious up until this morning; full extent of injuries unknown;
EMMA GRALL, 18, 1305 Spring street; injured ankle, extent of injuries not determined;
ELEANORE BEHRENT, 18, 605 S. Eighteenth street, extent of injuries not determined;
EDWIN OSESEK, 18, 1134 South Twenty-fifth street, cut and bruised.
Returning To City
According to Walter Thompson, South Eighteenth street, the south-bound freight train continued on its way after the accident with the crew apparently unaware of the tragedy which had occurred a the crossing. The badly wrecked 1927 Chevrolet coach containing the accident victims was being subjected to a continuous pounding as the many cars making up the freight train passed the scene. When Thompson, the first arrival at the scene, drove up to the crossing, the maimed and injured were apparently helpless and Thompson rushed to the Max Strauss farm home to notify Sheriff Herman Carstens and the city police ambulance was immediately rushed to the scene of the accident to convey the injured to the hospital.
Returning to the wrecked automobile, Thomason assisted others in removing the injured from it and described the scene as one to chill anyone as the occupants were covered with blood and several were unconscious and appeared to be dead. The mangled legs of young Kowalski with the feet hanging on by shreds of flesh were partly protruding from the wreck before he could be pulled out. As he was being lifted from the machine one of the feet fell off owing to the weight of the shoe.
Girl Is Rescued
Marie Grall, the 14-year-old high school girl, was apparently thrown from the rear seat in which she was riding to the front of the car and her unconscious form was being buffeted by the passing cars before young Osesek, who remained conscious, saw her and pulled her to safety before she dropped under the wheels of the cars.
The injured were immediately place in the police ambulance and in cars driven by Walter Thomson and Eugene Maresch, S 11th Street, before being rushed to the hospital.
Examined Today
Information regarding the condition of the injured was not expected to be available until late this afternoon as X-ray pictures were being taken this morning.
The blood bespattered coach was later hauled to Manitowoc and it was necessary to place it in a warehouse owing to the many people blocking the driveway at the St. Clair Chevrolet company. As early as 4 o'clock this morning, the morbidly curious started to arrive to note that the right side of the car was entirely wrecked and that only minor damage had been caused to the left side.
Were Proceeding East
Occupants of the wrecked automobile were proceeding to Manitowoc after having taken a short ride into the county. They had been at the county fair, according to a brother of the Grall girls, and left there at about 11 o'clock, They were driving east on the road which leads to the Lake Shore road about one mile south of Calvary cemetery.
The boys were apparently the more seriously injured and were said to have been seated in the front seat of the car while the three girls were said to be occupying the rear seat of the closed automobile.
Crossing on Rise
According to Sheriff Herman Carstens and others who were at the scene of the accident shortly after it occurred, the crossing in question is on a slight elevation and is visible for some distance during the daytime. It is believed, however, that the fact that the headlights of the train were several hundreds of yards ahead of the crossing led the driver of the automobile to believe that the train had already passed the intersection or else he was unaware of the location of the crossing.
Rozmorinoski was not driving the machine at an excessive rate of speed at the time of the crash, young Thompson stating that he was driving at about 10 or 12 miles an hour when Rozmorinoski passed him. The crash of the train and car was plainly heard over the several blocks separating the Thompson and Rozmorinoski cars, Thompson said.
Darkness Delays Rescue
Efforts of those at the accident to relieve the injured were considerably handicapped by the almost total darkness of the night and it was not until headlights were played upon the scene of the wreckage by arriving cars that the injured persons could be found.
Other Sister In Hospital
The accident which resulted in the Grall sisters becoming patients at the hospital here made three members of the family in the institution, another sister, Florence, 17, having been operated there recently and is being still confined there.
Manitowoc Herald News, Wis., Thursday, August 21, 1930 pg. 1
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AMPUTATE LEGS OF YOUTH HURT AT CROSSING
Badly Mangled Legs of V. Kowalski Are Amputated Today; Others Show Improvement
Badly mangled legs of Victor Kowalski, 19 year old South Twenty-third street youth who was one of six persons injured when the car in which they were riding crashed into a Northwestern freight train south of Manitowoc late Wednesday night, were operated upon at the hospital this morning and amputation of each was completed, one of the legs being taken off six inches below the knee while the other was removed about four inches below the knee. Yesterday a blood transfusion was resorted to in the effort to make up the deficiency in blood and was said to have been successful.
Only one of the other five persons is seriously injured, Miss Eleanore Behrent, 18, suffering from a fractured jaw and other injuries which will necessitate her confinement at the hospital for some time, it is believed.
Two Others To Leave
Additional X-ray pictures were taken of the injuries of Emma Grall 18, and Marie Grall, 14, but it was said that present indications were that neither was seriously injured and that they might be able to leave the hospital in a short time.
Edwin Osesek, 18, and Alois Rosmorinoski, 19, the latter driver of the car were said to have escaped with lacerations and bruises and will be able to leave the hospital late today or tomorrow.
Tragedy is Shock
A possibility that Kowalski, riding as a passenger at the time of the accident, may not survive his injuries still remained today and added to the general horror over the ghastliness of the accident when it was first learned that his legs had virtually been torn from his body by the impact and grind of the collision.
Manitowoc Herald News, Wis., Friday, August 22, 1930 pg. 1
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FEAR IS FELT AS KOWALSKI WORSE TODAY
A turn for the worse in the condition of victor Kowalski, the more seriously injured of six persons when the coach in which they were riding struck a Northwestern freight train south of Manitowoc late Wednesday night, was noted at the hospital early this afternoon and the youth's condition has caused apprehension. Kowalski's two legs were amputated below the knee yesterday morning after it was seen that their badly mangled condition would not permit their healing.
Alois Rozmorinoski and Edwin Osesek, occupants of the front seat with Kowalski at the time of the accident, were able to leave the hospital yesterday as they suffered from cuts and bruises only.
The three occupants of the rear seat, Misses Emma Grall, 18, Marie Grall, 14, and Eleanore Behrendt were not seriously injured and will soon be able to leave the hospital.
Manitowoc Herald News, Wis., Saturday, August 23, 1930 pg. 2
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INJURIES CLAIM VICTOR KOWALSKI
IS SIXTH TO DIE IN MONTH FROM CRASHES
Injuries Sustained Last Wednesday End in Death Early Today, Rest Are Improving
Manitowoc's sixth automobile fatality of the present month occurred at the Holy Family hospital at 4:30 o'clock this morning when Victor Kowalski, 19, one of the six persons injured when the car in which they were passengers struck a Chicago and Northwestern freight train south of Manitowoc late last Wednesday night, died as a result of the injuries sustained. With him at the time of his death were members of his immediate family. Five others died in a railway grade smash about one and one-half miles away on August 1.
Hope for the recovery of the boy whose legs were so badly mangled that it was necessary to amputate both of them below the knees had been faint from the time of the injury but the operation and blood transfusion was resorted to and every effort was made to save his life. The loss of blood and the tremendous shock to the nervous system proved too great a handicap, however, and death relieved his almost continuous sufferings since last Wednesday, early today.
Others Are Improved
Alois Rozmorinoski, 19 and the driver of the automobile in the crash and Edwin Osesek, 18, were able to leave the hospital several days ago as their injuries were only minor, the Grall sisters, Emma and Marie, were expected to be able to leave the hospital sometime today for their 1305 Spring street home while Eleanore Behrendt, 18, will remain a patient at the institution for some time with her broken jaw and other injuries.
The six were injured when the car crashed into the southbound freight train as they were enjoying a ride into the country after attending the county fair.
Was Native of City
Victor Kowalski spent his entire lifetime in Manitowoc. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Kowalski, 1126 South Twenty-third street, and was born in this city on March 10, 1911. After attending the St. Mary's parochial school, he was employed in this city. Besides his bereaved parents, he is survived by two brothers, Sylvester and Alois, both of Manitowoc.
Funeral services will be held from the St. Mary's church at 9 o'clock Wednesday morning with Rev. Father J.M. Pociecha. Interment will take place at Evergreen.
Manitowoc Herald News, Wis., Monday, August 25, 1930 pg. 2
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CARD OF THANKS
We wish to express out sincere thanks to relatives, neighbors and friends for sympathy and kindness shown us during our recent bereavement, the death of our son and brother, Victor Kowalski. Special thanks to Father Pociecha and attending priests, the pallbearers, donors of cars, flowers and spiritual bouquets.
MR. AND MRS. JOHN KOWALSKI AND FAMILY
Manitowoc Herald News, Wis., Friday, August 22, 1930 pg. 1
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