CROSSSING SMASH

Hokitika Guardian, 22 January 1929, Page 2

CROSSSING SMASH

WAS CAR DRIVER INTOXICATED? (By Telegraph—Press Association). HAMILTON, Jan. 21. A fatal collision of a car and a train at a level crossing on December Ist. when Alexander John Hamilton, labourer, of Frankton, was killed, and three others injured, was the subject of a coronial inquiry at Hamilton today by Mr NVyvern Wilson, S.M. The Coroner found that Patrick Dcegan, labourer, of Pukcmiro, the driver of the Car, was intoxicated at the time of the. accident, and drove negligently, failing to keep a proper look-out; that the train whistle was sounded, and no blame was attachable to the engine driver. The Coroner said that the crossing did not seem very bad. Deegan was remanded some time ago on a charge of causing Hamilton’s death. The police, regarding Deegan’s intoxication, called Dr NVaddel, who was called to the scene of the accident. He said Deegan was very flushed, hut was fairly steady on his feet. He had a bounding pulse and was talkative and seemed confused. The - doctor stated that Deegan was not drunk in the ordinary sense, but was not in a fit condition to drive. Mrs Scown, one of Deegan’s passengers who was injured, denied that Deegan was intoxicated.