FIRE ENGINE SMASH

Hokitika Guardian, 21 January 1921, Page 4

FIRE ENGINE SMASH

FURTHER PARTICULARS

[JIY TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION]

HAM l ETON, Jan u ary 20

A terrible accident, attendant with fatal results, occurred last evening, as the result of which two men were killed and nine others more or less seriously injured. The casualties are:—Killed, fireman 'Herbert Graham, 24 years, single; lua»imin George Prince, 08 years, married with 14 children. Seriously inj j tired: Sirpt. C. H. A rcher, broken collar bone and minor injuries; I heman S. Dickey, concussion of the bn n. iThe other men on the engine weroI Tucky'(driver), J. N. Irvine, S- Davies, T. Davies, L. Davies, G. Morris and 1 J. St. Claim.

The brigade were at a grass lire at Chuidlyand, when another alarm for fti-e in the main street was sounded The Brigade were returning, and on nearing the foot of a hill a motor lorry was noticed ahead, in the een-.ic of the road. The engine was well c.n its right side, having just previously gone almost to the water-table in order to pass two ears. The "horn of the tugino was sounded continuously and ,bc firemen also shouted to attract the tention of the driver of the lorry, but evidently the latter did not hear the warning, and kept on in the middle et the road. Driver Turkey .endeavoured to pass the lorry on the right side, and applied the brakes, but unfortunately tiie engine was evidently too far o'er and struck the bank which, comb'iied with the fact that the brakes had just

been applied, caused the rear end of the engine to swerve and the engine turned a complete somersault righting J itself in a miraculous fashion. I he 1 men were thrown in all direction;. It was at once seen that the results ’v* ie 'serious, and willing helpers were toon |on the spot. Graham was found lying ,in a pool of blood unconscious end j evidently in a precarious condition. He j died at the hospital without regaining ' consciousness. Prince was also very seriously injured. He was removed to the hospital and operated upon immediately after admission, a leg being Amputated. Unfortunately he tail 'd to rally and died about 9 p.m. Prince showed great powers of endurance and was more concerned regarding the injuries of others than his own. and urged 11 helpers to leave and him and do something for the younger members' of the brigade who had been injured. 8. Dickey was badly hurt and was iineenI scions. He was taken to the hospital and at the latest advices was still nnj conscious. George Prince was 08 years of age. and a very old and highly esteem d resident of the town, where lie had resided for 21 years past. He was regarded as the pioneer fireman of the town and a man of remarkable vitality. Altogether he lias been urnj neeled with fire lighting for the ] :ml 30 years. Formerly he was ompl.n’d hv the Railway Department for 30 I years and lie. retired several years ago

on superannuation. He came to New Zealand nearly 10 years ago, and had always associated himself with different forms of sport. He leaves a widow and fourteen children. Graham was 24 years of age. Mis parents reside in Auckland. Me saw three years 1 - war service and was awarded the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. Eighteen months ago lie joined tlu* Hamilton Fire Brigade and had proved a very popular member, being a conscientious worker and liked socially. Tin* news of the accident has east a gloom over the whole town and district, and general sympathy is expressed for the victims. It is said that never before in New Zealand has quell a big fire brigade accident ooourreil. Hie engine weighed about 5 tons, and was badly damaged, while the wonder is that more men were not killed. Several had miraculous escapes.