LEVEL CROSSING SMASH

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3585, 11 January 1927, Page 2

LEVEL CROSSING SMASH

I’TVlfl CHILDREN ESCAPE I DEATH. 1 Christchurch, January 8. lour young children and a girl aged Hi had a marvellous escape from death this morning, when the gig in which they were riding was struck by the Invereargill-Christ-church express at the Templeton railway crossing. Their names are Ethel Nelson, aged l(j, ~ who was driving; Eve Cliatterton, aged 13.; Lester Chatterton, aged (i; Percy Cliatterton, aged 4; Isobel Chatterton, aged 2. The last four are the children of Mr. and Mrs. J. V. Cliatterton, of Templeton. Miss Nelson sull'ercd a fractured shoulder and severe shock. She is the daughter of Mr. Victor Nelson, of Templeton, and was driving the ChalLerion gig, the families being neighbours. She is reported to be recovering satisfactorily at the Christchurch Hospital. When (he train struck the gig all the Occupants were thrown clear, Miss Nelson was hurt in the fall, hut the, children escaped with bruises and shock. The gig was smashed to matchwood, and the harness was almost torn off the horse. The animal was killed instantly. The occupants’ escape was miraculous, as the engine struck the horse and gig full on. The train was an all-night goods express from Invercargill, due in Christchurch at about 9.40 o’clock, and was travelling slowly at the time. The crossing is not dangerous, and it is surmised that Miss Nelson did not hear the warning whistle.