Mary Ward killed in a steam-car accident at Birr (1869)

Mary Ward, an Irish naturalist and astronomer, died on 31 August 1869 near Parsonstown (now Birr), County Offaly, after falling under the wheels of an experimental steam car. This incident is recognized as the first known fatality caused by a motor vehicle.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Mary Ward was an Irish naturalist, astronomer, microscopist, author, and artist. She shared an interest in astronomy with her cousin, William Parsons, 3rd Earl of Rosse, who built the Leviathan of Parsonstown. Lord Rosse's sons constructed a steam-powered car, which was involved in the fatal accident that occurred in 1869.

The Accident. On 31 August 1869, Mary Ward and her husband Henry were travelling in a steam-powered car built by Lord Rosse's sons. The vehicle carried the Parsons boys, Richard Clere Parsons and Charles Algernon Parsons, and their tutor, Richard Biggs. During the journey, Ward was thrown from the car on a bend in the road at Parsonstown.

Historical Significance. Mary Ward fell under the wheels of the experimental steam car, resulting in her death. As the event occurred in 1869, she is recognized as the first person known to have been killed by a motor vehicle. This distinguishes her from later fatalities such as Bridget Driscoll in Great Britain and Bliss in the Americas.

People involved

Sources

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