CROSSING SMASH

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 134, 3 December 1929, Page 12

CROSSING SMASH

THREE BOYS INJURED

MOTOR-CAR STRUCK BY TRAIN

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) ASHBURTON, This Day.

The most serious level crossing accident for some time occurred last evening. Alan Cookson, aged 16, suffered iiead injuries, a broken collarbone, and internal injuries; Kenneth Cookson, aged five, a brother of Alan, had a leg broken, and suffered severely from shock; and Reginald Finlay, aged seven, received a broken thigh and head injuries. All were admitted to the hospital.

Alan Cookson was driving the car, which also contained Muriel Finlay, aged five, when it was struck by a train at an angle in the rear, and was carried thirty yards. Alan was pinned under the car and was released with difficulty. Kenneth was thrown into a fairly deep stream, and was carried through a. culvert about two chains long. He managed to crawl out on to the grass. Tb ' c Fmlays were thrown clear, the girl r .<■ caping with a few cuts and bruises ' ■ Alan Cookson tried to reverse w h en he saw the train, but it was over the line before he was able to perforr „ thp manoeuvre.

Alan Cookson and Reginald Finlav are in a serious condition, but f hey are progressing satisfactorily. T7 le Qook sons arc sons of Mr. P. CocJ :son of Grey street The Finlays' fath^ " Mr. J. Finlay, of Aitken st reet The w T^r aedbyj/-c °oks-.