RUNAWAY BUS

Hokitika Guardian, 10 December 1928, Page 7

RUNAWAY BUS

NO SERIOUS DAMAGE DONE. AUCKLAND, December fi. Driverless and empty, a large motor passenger bus owned by L. J. Keys, of S(. Ileilers. pursued a straight and orderly course down Albert street shortly after o o’clock this evening, negotiated the Customs street crossing without any breach oif tlio traffic regulations, hut losing its equilibrium, then left the roadway. .Mounting the footpath it careered into the brick wall of a garage, bounced back towards the road, sweeping disdainfully aside a car parked on the kerbside, and came to rest with considerable force against a telegroph post. The situation was not without a very serious aspect. On the other side of the telegraph post was another bus being boarded by a large number of people who, attracted to the runaway by shouts of warning, scattered in all directions to places of safety. Those within were thankful to the telegraph pole. The bus had been left outside the Parcel Post Office by its driver while lie went upon some commission. Upon the release of its brakes by some means the bus set off down tile grade which toads to the foot of Albert Street about 100 yards away. It, held strictly to the crown of the road for practically the full distance. Had it not been for a swerve, which was to result in damage, it must certainly have entered tin* harbour on top of the small craft moored to the landing. The car which was struck suffered considerable damage to the mudguards of one side and the body work. The bus had the windscreen and several windows shattered, but apart from this remarkable little damage was done. The telegraph pole had a decided list, and wires fell severed to the footpath.