FATAL SMASH.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18895, 10 January 1927, Page 8

FATAL SMASH.

PICNIC PARTY'S TRAGEDY. WOMAN DIES OF INJURIES. Soon after nine o'clock last night a motor smash between a picnic van and a taxi occurred at the comer of Buck-le-'s and Page's roads. Now Brighton, and 0110 of the passengers in tho van, a woman, died at midnight in hospital as the result of injuries received. .Having picnicked by the sea, a party consisting of .Mr and Mrs W. Boon, of 48 Edinburgh street. Spreydon, Mr T. J. H. R. Sullivan, of 499 Ferry road, Woolston, Mr S. Sullivan, Ashburton, and Mr and Mrs G. Fergus, visitors to (-'hristchurch, and a child, were returning to their homes in a Ford motor-lorry, used for delivering milk. At the corner of Buckley's and Page's roads, a taxi, driven by Mr Matthews, came into collision with the lorry, and severe damage was caused. After the smash it was found that Mr Boon, aged about 38 years, and his wife, aged 36 years, and M r T. J. IT. R. Sullivan, aged 21 years, were the most seriously injured members of tho party. They were taken to Ihe Christcliureh Hospital, where examination showed that Mrs Boon was unconscious and suffering from injuries to her head. Mr Boon was found to be suffering from minor hurts. Mr Sullivan sustained injuries to his nose. Mrs Boon's condition was considered serious, and despite medical attention she succumbed at ten minutes to twelve 0 'clock.

The shock of his wife's death proved too much for Mr Boon, and the Hospital authorities were obliged to admit him to Ward 7, where he now lies.