A tragic incident unfolded at Limerick Junction this evening, claiming the life of a soldier in a harrowing turn of events. As the limited mail train bound for Dublin commenced its departure from the platform at 5:30 p.m., Private Corieri of the 4th Battalion Hunter Fusiliers, aged approximately 30 and married, was observed rushing from the military refreshment table with a cup of tea in hand, seemingly intending to board the train.

In a cruel twist of fate, Private Corieri slipped between the footboard and the platform, resulting in his left leg and arm becoming ensnared in a carriage wheel. The force caused his body to be dragged along the platform edge for a distance of 25 yards before the train came to a halt. Railway officials promptly extricated the body from the wheel and cleared it from the rails. Tragically, despite efforts to save him, Private Corieri was found to have succumbed to his injuries when the train resumed its journey.

Examination of the scene revealed that Private Corieri had sustained severe fractures to his left arm and leg during the ordeal. Notably, he was not struck by the moving train itself. Documents found on his person indicated his wife’s residence at 29 Francis Cork, while Lieutenant Shirgroe from Tipperary, believed to have been present on the platform, positively identified Private Corieri as a fellow soldier who had been stationed at Berehaven six weeks prior to the incident.

The sudden loss of Private Corieri has cast a shadow over the community, prompting sombre reflection on the fragility of life and the inherent risks associated with everyday activities. As investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident commence, authorities and railway personnel are tasked with ensuring stringent safety measures to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

Evening Irish Times – Thursday 28 December 1916