MAN FALLS BENEATH TRAIN

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 158, 29 March 1919, Page 8

MAN FALLS BENEATH TRAIN

MIRACULOUS ESCAPE I'KOM DEATH. (By Telegraph—Special Correspondent.) Palmerston North, March 25. The arrival of the -Main Trunk express from Auckland at Palmerston North to-day (Friday) was signalised by a sensational incident involving n man's miraculous escape from death, and some commcmlably prompt and efficient rescue work on the part of the local railway officials. 'The express had pulled into the station and was just being brought to a standstill, when a young man named Purtou, u local resident, attempted to board, it in order to make sure of securing a seat. At the same moment a porter stepped in front of tho platform, ami, as is customary, with outstretched arms, gave the signal for tho train to stop. Purtoh collided with this official, and fell between the platform and (he (rain. Almost immediately afterwards (he train was brought to a stop. Purhm was jammed in under the running gear. Ho was caught between the interlocking points on tho ground and the compensation bar of the bogie, which projects over the wheels. He was held in (hat position from his shoulder to his loins, whilo his knees were forced up against the platform and his head partially twisted and pressed downwards. The station was crowded at the. time, and many people thought they had just witnessed a tragedy. All efforts to extricate Purton proving unavailing, the passenger conch was jacked up and the weight of the vehiclo lifted nl'f him. Ho was attended to by I)r. Barnelt. Ho was still conscious, and though suffering intense pain Ihroughc-ut the whole of the rescue operations he maintained a stoic, ism and fortitude (hat wero amazing. He was found 1 to have sustained severe injuries fo his lipid and jaw, and his body was very lv.idly bruised in place.". There were no symptoms of internal injuries, and at the latest advices he was reported to be out of danger.