PAEKAKARIKI CROSSING SMASH.

Shannon News, 16 March 1926, Page 3

PAEKAKARIKI CROSSING SMASH.

" ♦- INQUEST ON THE VICTIMb. WBIXIIN'GTON, Maxell 15. The inquest on William Ernest Fordham, hie wile ltubina Victoria Fordham, Alfred William Wallis, and his wife Florence Mary Wallace, who were killed in the smash of a loaded lorry at Miackay’s crossing at Paekakariki, on 20th February, was held to-day. One witness stated it was his opinion that with the four deceased and the child, Vesta Fordham, who. is the sole survivor, all were in the cab and there, was insufficient room for the 1 driver Fordham., Athol M. Morrison, assistant-district railway, engineer, said the top of the coaches of the train were visible for 6* or 7 chains from the crossing. The road approached the crossing at a grade of about one in twelve, making a stop easy. The crossing was a fairly safe one compared with others in the district. There were trees near the line on private property. The fireman off the train, Charles Blackford, said the engine struck the lorry broadside on going at 45 miles an hour. The whistle was blown 250 yards before the crossing was. reached. It was not possible to get more than half a chain’s view of the road from hie railway line.

Alfred L. Deans, driver of the engine, corroborated. He said the schedules of speed on that section was 50 miles per hour. If people looked out they could see 250 yards of the line between the trees near the road. The collision occurred two seconds after the fireman warned him. After further evidence the Coroner said this was one of the worst accidents of its kind in the Dominion. Apparently the people in the motor were talking and looking in another direction and were unaware of the proximity of the train. The evidence showed that certain trees partially obscured the view of the line, though the train could he seen several chains along the line. The evidence failed to disclose why llie driver did not stop the lorry., * A verdidt was returned that deceased met their deaths accidentally.