RAILWAY CROSSING ACCIDENT

Hokitika Guardian, 12 March 1930, Page 5

RAILWAY CROSSING ACCIDENT

(By Telegraph—Per Tress Association.)

PALMERSTON NORTH, March 12

At the inquest on John Fitzgerald, the railway surfaceman who was Killed when the jigger he was riding on vith a companion, was struck b\ the t-xpiess train between Te Horo and Waikanae on March Ist., deceased’s eon ranion said when they first stopped to look for the express they saw no sign of it. They decided to go to the next crossing. When within a short distance of the objective, lie heard the whistle and told his mate to jump, but Fitzgerald got his foot caught in the extra board on the jigger, parallel to the on trigger, which made a trap for his foot. He was thus imprisoned. But for this deceased would have had time to escape No blame was attached to the driver of the train, who pulled up the train in less than its own length.

To the Coroner witness said the extra board on the jigger was made fonv working easier.

The Coroner,commented on the lack of judgment shown by both men in not getting off the line sooner when they the express was due. The regulation regarding the safety time margin should be strictly observed. As to the boards attachment which was said to be an improvement on"the machine, he suggested the Pail way Department should investigate and see it is made safe. Apparently the board Had been a contributory cause to the accident. The verdict was that deceased died from shock, following injuries received through, the collision of the train and jigger.