STREET SMASH.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 March 1917, Page 3

STREET SMASH.

Three Vehicles Mixed Up.

Wellington, March 10 A sensational street colli-ion occurred at the corner of the Basin Reserve, at about 7.30 a.m. yesterday, in which a motor ambulance, containing three returned soldier?, and two tram cars figured. The ambulance which is owned by tho Defence Department, was travelling at a fair rate of speed from the hospital, and just opposite St Mark’s Church endeavoured to pass car 31, driven by Motormau J. P. Connelly. The driver of the ambulance, Sergeant H. M. Brown, seeing that a dust cart w:s in the way doubled to the other tide, to meet disaster, however. Oar 42 (driven by Motorman Hume) wa3 coming in the opposite direction, and the ambulancs was jammed botween two earn with a crash. Car 31 was lifted right off the track, while the weather screens of both cars suffered severely. Tho front portion of the ambulance was badly smashed. The traffic was delayed for forty minute?, while the hospital ambulance had to be sent for to move the three ambulance passengers. Sergeant Brown, driver of the ambulance and Corporal Robinson, in charge,, were both cut about the head and face, but the returned soldiers, fortunately, escaped with e, few scratches. The ambulance was making for the station at the time, to catch a train in which the returned soldiers were to be taken home. The train traffic was only slightly disorganised, as the traffic manager and Inspector Mitchell were soon on the scene aad the traffic was regulated as soon aa possible;