PLUNGED IN RIVER

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21112, 4 June 1943, Page 4

PLUNGED IN RIVER

CARS AND CYCLES

BRIDGE SPAN BREAKS j , . THIRD VEHICLE MISSING? (F.A.) WELLINGTON. June 4. Through the collapse of the centre span of the Whirokino bridge, which crosses, the Mariawatu River about lour miles south of Foxtcn, two and possibly three motor vehicles, with their occupants, and two cyclists were plunged into the river last evening: The cyclists and the occupants of two motor vehicles are known 1o be safe though two persons were taken to the Palmerston North hospital, but there is no trace of the occupant or occuoants of the third vehicle which, it is thought, may have been the last to go through. The centre span of the- bridge has fallen away “just as if it had been sawn through at each end,” one eyewitness states. There was no trace of the vehicles in the water below, apart from a transport lorry from which vegetables were seen rising and floating away. It is thought that it mav be submerged.

The first vehicle to go through the hole in the bridge was a Jeep, in which, it is stated, there were two Marines and a woman. One of the Marines was able'to swim and made his way to' the south side of the river. IDs coirmanion was aided by the woman to the northern side and later sent to Palmerston North hospital in an unconscious state. Before steps' could be taken by those present to halt further traffic, a private car in which Mr and Mrs Peacock, of the Whirokino cut works camp, who were on their way home from Foxton, also went through the gap. Both were able to swim ashore. Mrs Peacock received 1 some - injuries, however and was sent to hospital with the Marine. Two cyclists- also went through the gap when travelling southward from Foxton. Both reached the bank safely.