A speeding electric streetcar hit the presidential carriage as it crossed the trolley tracks, jettisoning Roosevelt who was injured.

The accident resulted in the death of William Craig, Roosevelt's Secret Service agent, and injured George B. Cortelyou.

The President rode in a barouche, an open-top carriage seating four, pulled by four horses.

On the left side of the carriage's front bench, livery owner David J. Pratt of Dalton, Massachusetts, drove the team of horses, with Agent William Craig seated on the right side of the elevated perch.

[6][better source needed] As the streetcar turned onto the street with the presidential carriage, the driver rang the trolley bell and attempted to stop.