FATAL COACH ACCIDENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2105, 3 February 1908, Page 2

FATAL COACH ACCIDENT.

LADY TERRIBLY AJ ANGLED. Press Association. NELSON* Fob. 1. A serious railway accident occurred at Alio cros-dug near Appleby station at 151.20 to-day. The train to Nelson was approaching the crossing when the Nelson-Alotueta coach, driven by Ghafi. Bricklands, attempted to cross in front. The horse hail cleared the rails, when, tile engine crushed into the rear part oi the coach, which was smashed to pieces. There were three passengers by the coach, and one of them, Airs. J. Tilbury, the wife of Air. A. J. Tilbury, was killed 'instantly, her body being terribly mangled. She ovnr- • ontjy was t,brown through the side of the coach and the wheels of the engine passed over her body. 'Both legs were severed from the trunk. Her sister, Mm. Susan Walker, was thrown clear of the train, and is suffering from shock and bruises. It is not anticipated that her injuries will prove serious. Miss Fittall, daughter of Air. Alfred Fittall, of Jticlimond, was seated on the box, and she also foil clear of the train, but suffered' a broken thigh. The driver of the couch, Bricklands, was picked up unconscious. Ho was seriously injured internally, and is in a critical condition. The dead and injured were placed on the train and brought on to Nelson, where the latter wore taken to the hospital. Tho view, both ways, at Alio crossing is not obstructed by trees, and it is difficult to understand why the coaelidrivor, a careful man, who is accustomed to tho road, failed to see the train approaching. The coach is in tho custom of crossing tho line some time before tho train reaches that place, but owing to the Anniversary holiday, the train arrangements to-day wore altorcd, and probably Bricklands was not awaro of the change. Fie is not able to give any account of the matter. Air. and Airs. Tilbury wore on a holiday visit to Nelson, and Air. Tilbury was following the coach on a bicyclo. An inquest on Airs. Tilbury’s body will be opened to-morrow, but will be adjourned to allow of the ovidenco of the coaelidrivor and other passengers being taken, when they are fit. THE INJURED. NELSON* Feb. 2. Those injured in yesterday’s coach accident are making favorable progress, though the condition of tho driver, Bricklands, is still vorv serious. Inquest opened this morning on the body of Airs. Tilbury, and after formal evidence had been taken, was adjourned till the 13th.