FATAL ACCIDENT.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 28 May 1919, Page 3

FATAL ACCIDENT.

GOLLISION AT LEVEL CROSSING. News was received in Palmerston North shortly after 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon of the occurrence at Bunnytliorpc of a collision on a railway crossing, unfortunately attended with fatal rosults.

Four children, the sons and daughters of Mrs Helen Pedersen, a Bunnvthorpe resident, were returning home from school in the spring-cart used for conveying milk to ; thc factory. When crossing the line opposite the Bunny- ; th'orpe Hotel they were run into by the south bound New Plymouth express. ! The engine struck the horse and killed 'it outright. The cart was carried for some 40 yards and smashed to pieces, the youngest child, Jean, aged 8 years, was killed instantly. Alexander, aged i 14, sustained a fractured, skull and J compound -fracture of the leg, and j Ronald, aged 13, who was driving, suf- ' fered a fractured thumb and severe scalp wounds. The eldest girl, Phyllis, aged 14, was thrown clear and beyond a few scratches escaped injury. The engine driver stated that the whistle was blown and eye-witnesses assert that the occurrence was purely accidental and that the fault lay entirely with the unfortunate children, as they apparently did not look to see if the crossing was clear before attempting to cross. They did not seem to realise tlieir danger until it was too late, when the kid who was driving endeavoured to pull the horse back. Before this could be done the engine was upon them. The. injured children were taken to" tin: Bunnvthorpe Hotel, where the wife of the licensee was most assiduous in her efforts •to assist those rendering first aid.

Inquiries at the hospital last night disclosed that Alexander is in a precarious condition and Ronald progressing satisfactorily, though suffering greatly from shock.