FATAL ACCIDENT AT WESTPORT.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 27 August 1901, Page 3

FATAL ACCIDENT AT WESTPORT.

The following are the particulars regarding the unfortunate accident, which occured at Westport on Saturday :—On Saturday afternoon about 3 o'clock an accident, which unfortunately was attended with fatal result, took place in an excavation in the roadway down near the Westqort Coal Company's Offices. A number of railway men, with Mr Eoberts, inspector of the permanent way were engaged in the excavation with the purpose of putting in drain pipes leading to the river from the railway weigh-bridge, when the _ side of the bank, which is composed of shiDglo with cementry formation on the top, fell in and partially buried Messrs J. Hannigan and W. Laurie. The former got clear without injury, but the latter had his arm broken and was fearfully battered about the lower part of the body. Immediate steps were taken to free the sufferer, and Dr McKenzie who was soon in attendance, ordered his removal to the Hospital. On arrival there, it was found that the injuries were so severe that there was little hope of his recovery, and yesterday morning he gradually sank and at 3.30 passed away. Laurie was but a 3 oung man, about 30 years of age, and some 18 months ago entered the railway service as a casual hand, and recently was appointed to the permanent staff. He was a brother of the late Mrs Turley, and a few months ago sent to Dunedin for his mother, who was present at the hospital at the time of his death. Deceased was a member of the Amalgamated Bailway Servants Society. The news of his death was received in town with deep regret, for deceased was a great favourite with all who had come in contact with him. Prior to coming to Westport he worked in Wellington as a groom.