BIS TRAM SMASH.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 May 1919, Page 2

BIS TRAM SMASH.

LARGE NUMBER INJURED,

(PEB PBEBB ASSOCIATION. COPYBIGHt.J

CHRISCHURCH, -May 15. Late this afternoon there occurred the biggest accident which has yet taken place in the Christchurch tramways, a large' number of oeople being more or less serious injured. A car, with two double-deck trailers attached, left Sumner for the city at p.m AH the .cars were fully loaded, but were not overcrowded. All went well till reaching the loops in front of the Heathcote Anns Hotel, about half way to town, when the rear trailer left the lines, and after a couple of lurches fell over on its left side. The passengers on top were violently flung on to tile road and those inside were inextricably mixed up and showered with broken glass. It was at once seen that between twenty and thirty people were more or less injured, out of the fifty contained in the car. Ambulances and doctors were summoned from. town, and those unable to move were carried into the hotel. Ail who could hopple along, were taken by electric car direct to the hospital where they were at once attended to. Same of tne injured however, preferred to go to their own homes arid the drivers of passing cars wero very good in assisting with the transport of such cases. Ambulances removed the more seri.ousiy injured. Nine adults and five children went to the hospital. No cause is assigned foj- the trailer leaving the rails, but an inquiry is to be held. THE INJURED. The following is the list of the injured at present in the Christchurch Hospital: Eric P. Genu, aged 22, serious injuries to left hand and right foot. Samuel Brunton, aged 4, fractured skull. William Flavell, aged 31, injury to leg. John A. Chapman, aged 41, broken collar bone. James Bortlnvick, aged 59, broken left arm. Emile Diehl, aged 62, broken ankle. Mrs Laughton, facial injuries. Mrs Matthews, facial injuries. Mrs Reed (of Ashburton) lacerated face. An infant named Needham, aged 2 years, has a severe injury to the head. lan ,McCallum, 4 years, has had two fingers amputated. Daphne Chapman, aged 11, a lacerated hand. . Besides -these, about fifteen other people were more or less injured, some being treated in the out-patient department at the hospital and some going to their own homes. As far as can be ascertained, their names are: Mrs Green, aged 50, injury to back and leg Mrs Heap, Mrs W. Jackson (Welling- ’ ton). Mrs J. Whisker (Wellington). Mrs W. Guy, abrasions to face. L. Winterbourne, abrasion of knee. Mrs Adamson, injuries to bead, cuts and bruises. Mrs W. J. Hughes, injuries to back and bruises. Mrs John R. Olliver, cut on forehead, bruises and shock. Mrs L. T. Olliver, shock. THE TRAM ACCIDENT. CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. In connection with the tramway accident, two inquiries may bo held, one by the Public Works Department and the other by the Tramway Board. Both * will be to the press. A large number of claims for compensation are expected. The Board has no fund to meet such claims, and if any are paid payment will come out of the general account. Of the injured, Mrs Mathews’ baby girl is in a very critical condition. Mrs Needham’s baby girl is serious. Samuel Brunton, aged 47, is suffering from a 'fractured skull, and is very low. The others are progressing satisfactorily.