Children Hurt When Train Strikes Motor

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 836, 3 December 1929, Page 1

Children Hurt When Train Strikes Motor

LEVEL-CROSSING CRASH 1 BOY HURLED INTO CREEK Press Association ASHBURTON, Today. The most serious level-crossing accident for some time occurred last evening, resulting in three people being sent to hospital. Alan Cookson, aged 16, received , head injuries, a broken collarbone. and internal injuries. Kenneth Cook 1 son, aged five, brother of Alan, had his : leg broken, and received severe | shock; and Reginald Finlay, aged | seven, received a broken thigh and | head injuries. ; Alan was driving the ceTi-, which ] also contained Muriel Finlay, aged j five, when it was struck by an incoming train at an angle in the rear, being carried 30 yards. Alan was 'pinned under the car, and was only released with difficulty. Kenneth was thrown into a fairly deep stream, being carried through ii culvert about two chains long, and managing to crawl out on to a lawn. The Finlays were thrown clear, the girl escaping with a few cuts and bruises. Alan Cookson and Reginald Finlay are in a serious condition. The Cooksons are the sons of Mr. P. Cookson, of Grey Street. The father of the Finlays is Mr. .1. Finlay, of Aitken Street. The car was owned by Mr. Cookson. It is a total wreck. Young Cookson tried to reverse when he saw the train, but was over the line before he performed the manoeuvre.