Fatal Railway Accident.

Manawatu Herald, 28 December 1895, Page 2

Fatal Railway Accident.

A very sad accident, resulting in the death of a young girl named Jane Connell, occurred at Paremata during the journey of the Manawatu train which left Wellington at 11 o'clock on Christmas Eve.

Miss Connell. who was about 18 ■years of age, lived at Wanganui with her parents, and come down to Wei* lington on Saturday last on her way to visit some relations at Paremata.

On Christmas Eve she and a oou» sin named Lucy Gastroe started from Wellington by train, and as the train was entering the Paremata station it is supposed that Miss Connell seeing her uncle on the platform, made a jump on to the platform without waiting for the train to pull up.

The result was that she fell Jbftek* ward between the platform and tut moving carriages, several of which passed over her head.

As soon as the train was stopped Guard McFarlane lifted up the poor girl, but she was quite dead, her head being badly smashed and one of her arms was almost torn off me body.

The guard had the body conveyed to Paikakariki, where an inquest was held on Thursday morning before Mr 0. P. Lynoh, J.P., and a jury of which Mr C. Slight was foreman. Evidence bearing out the facts as stated above was given, and the jury , returned a verdict of accidental death, adding that no blame was atv taohable to anyon e. . _ ; ,

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The jury subsequently expressed their approbation of thejbroraptitude displayed by Guard McFarlana. Mr W. M. Hannay, secretary to the Wellington and Manawatn Railway Company, watched the proceedings on behalf of the Company. Miss Connell, who was educated at the Convent in Wanganui, was a 'great- favourite, both there and amongst her many friends in Wellington. Widespread sympathy is expressed tor her parents in their sad affliction. Several wreaths have been sent by Wellington friends to accompany the remains to Wanganui, where the interment will take place. — Times.