SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1978, 17 May 1919, Page 2

SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

TtIAM TRAILER OVERTURNS. NUMBER OK PEOPLE INJURED IN CHRISTCHURCH. Christchurch, March 13. Late this afternoon there occurred the biggest accident which has yet taken place on the Christchurch tramways, a large number of people being more or less seriously injured. A. ear, with two double-deck trailers attached, left Sumner for the' city at 4.30 p.m. All the care were fully loaded, but not overcrowded. All went well till reaching the loo]) in front of (he Heathcote Arms Hotel, about: half-way to town, when the rear trailer left (he lines, and after a couple of lurches fell over on its left side. The passengers on lop were violently Hung on to the road, and those inside were inextrieahly mixed up, and were showered with broken glass.

It was at once seen Hint between twenty and thirty people were more or less injured out of the fifty contained in the car. A.mlmlances and doctors wore summoned from town, and those unable to move were carried into the hotel. All who could hobble along were taken by electric ear direct to the hospital, where (hey were at once attended to. Some of the injured, however, pre* ferred to go to their own homes, and the drivers of passing ears were very good in assisting with the transport of .such cases. Ambulances removed the more seriously injured—nine adults and Jive children —to Die hospital. No cause is assigned for the trailer leaving the rails, but an inquiry is to be held. Following is the list of the injured at present in Christchurch Hospital;— Eric P. Genn, aged 22, serious injuries to the left hand and right foot. Samuel Bruniou, aged 47, fraclured skull. William FJavell, 31, injury to leg. John A. Chapman, 41, broken collarbone. James Borthwieky 50, broken left arm. Emile Diehl, 02, broken ankle. Mrs Laughton, facial injuries. Mrs Reed (Ashburton), lacerated face. v An infant named Needham, aged (wo years, severe injury to head. lan M’Allum, aged 8 years, shock and abrasions. Donald M’Callum, aged four years, two lingers amputated. ■Daphne Chapman, aged 11, lacerated hand. A girl named Matthews, aged six' years, deep wounds in chin and knee. Besides these, about lift ecu other people were more or less injured, some being treated in Hie out-pati-ents department at the hospital, am} some going to their own homes. As far as can he ascertained, tho names are:—Mrs Green, aged 50, injury to hack and teg; Mrs Heap, Mrs Jackson (Wellington), Mrs J. Whisker (Wellington), W. Guy, abrasions of knee, L. Winterbourne, abrasion of knee, Mrs Adamson, injuries to herd, outs, and bruises, Mrs W. J. Hughes, injuries to back and bruises, Mrs John R. Olliver, cut on forehead, bruises, and shock, Mrs L. T. Olliver, shock.

Two inquiries may be held, onq by tlie Public Works Department and the other by the Tramway l Board. Both will be dosed to the press, A large number of claims for compensation are expected. Tho Tramway Board has no fund to meet such claims, and if any arc paid payment will come out of tho general account. • Of the injured, Mrs Matthews’ ■baby girl is in a very critical condition, and Mrs Needham’s baby girl is also a serious case. Samuel Brunton, aged 47, who is suffering from a fractured skull, is very low. The others are progressing satis-i factorilv.