TRAIN WRECKS MOTOR LORRY

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 230, 17 December 1927, Page 1

TRAIN WRECKS MOTOR LORRY

CROSSING SMASHTHREE IN HOSPITAL, TWO OTHERS HURT An outgoing mixed passenger and goods train struck a motorlorry at the Argyll Street levelcrossing. Morningside, shortly be fore 4.30 p.m. yesterday, tossing the vehicle aside and causing severe injuries to three of the occupants, who are now progressing fairly satisfactorily in the Auckland Hospital. Mr. Eliliu John Shaw, aged 63, of Titirangi, now retired, but at one time in the parks department of the Auckland City Council, suffered head injuries through being thrown from the lorry on to his head on the road. His condition is not serious. Mrs. Henrietta Elizabeth Shaw, his wife, aged 65, was thrown very heavily, and received internal injuries, although her condition is now reported to be satisfactory. Mr. Gilbert Francis Shaw, the driver of the lorry, contractor, of Titirangi, aged 25, suffered most. When the engine struck the motor he was thrown from the cab and subsequently carried forward by the engine, receiving injuries to his head and body. His condition, although serious, is reported by the hospital authorities to be satisfactory in the circumstances. Mrs. Gilbert Shaw and her infant daughter, who were riding in the lorry, were not greatly injured, although they suffered slightly from shock. The only fortunate circumstance of the accident was that the train was slowing down to enter Mormngside station. Had this not been the case, the result of the impact would have been much more serious. The road in the vicinity of the crossing is being repaired, and it is assumed that this might have been the cause of confusing the driver of the lorry, who would have to drive on his incorrect side for a short distance. This motor-lorry has been unfortunate. In March, 1921, it crashed through a bridge at Swanson Creek while going to Muriwai motor races —two deaths resulting from the crash —later the vehicle ran over a bank on the Titirangi Road.