RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5140, 17 June 1927, Page 2

RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

WAIHI TRAIN STRIKES JIGGER,

PAEROA RESIDENT INJURED.

A pginful accident befel Mr. C. S. McNamara, of Station Road, Paeroa, yesterday morning. Mr McNamara, who is a surfaceman in the employ of the Railway Department, left Paeroa ahead of the 8 o'clock Paeroa to Waihi train on a jigger to reach his work near the Karangahake station. He had nearly reached the signal-box at Karangahake when the train suddenly swung round a bend in the line and was almost on top of him before the driver, whose view was somewhat obscured by the heavy fog that prevailed, saw him. With great presence of mind Mr McNamara jumped clear of the rails just as the engine struck the jigger. Unfortunately, the scene of the accident is in a, deep cutting, and although the train was brought promptly to a standstill the engine carried the jigger some distance, in the course of which Mr McNamara was dragged and pushed against the bank, there being no escape.

Medical aid was summoned from Paeroa, and the sufferer was later conveyed to the Thames Hospital. It is not known exactly the full extent of the injuries sustained. It is understood, however, that in addition to bruises, McNamara sustained a badly crushed leg and foot, and internal injuries are probable. In conversation on his arrival at Paeroa McNamara, stated that his watch was slow, otherwise he would have reached Karangahake well ahead of the train. As it was, he had only a few yards to travel when he was struck to have cleared the main line. On inquiries being made of the Thames Hospital this morning it was learned that Mr McNamara had spent a comfortable night and was progressing satisfactorily. Until the X-ray examination has eben completed the full extent of the injuries received cannot be definitely stated.