Lorry Wrecked by Southbound Train

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 838, 5 December 1929, Page 1

Lorry Wrecked by Southbound Train

DRIVER IN HOSPITAL

COLLISION AT AVONDALE Struck broadside on by a train from Helensville at the St. George’s Road crossing, Avondale, about 8.15 this morning, a two-ton lorry owned by A. W. Bryant and Company was completely wrecked. The driver, Mr. Charles Buckley, of 39 Station Terrace, Remuera, is in hospital suffering from a cut on the head, linternal injuries and shock. His condition is fairly serious. r T , HE view at this point is comparatively clear, but the railway line takes a sharp turn about 100yds north in the direction of New Lynn station. There is no automatic warning device. The lorry was being driven across the line to the pottery works when the collision occurred, the heavy vehicle being carried about 15yds and thrown to one side through the cattlestops. The cab and body were wrenched entirely off, the driven being hurled to the permanent way, where he lay within a foot of the line. The St. John Ambulance was summoned at once and the injured man rushed to the Auckland Hospital, where an X-ray examination was made. He is a married man, aged 29. The chassis of the lorry was bent into a sharp curve. The back axle assembly was wrecked and the drive shaft torn from its housing. Both engine and radiator, too, showed signs of damage. Body and cab lay beside the wrecked vehicle. Part of one side had been ripped off and flung over the fence bordering the line. , Even the train suffered damage. It was shunted back to New Lynn station and, the engine changed, reaching the city considerably behind time. The lorry had to be jacked to one side to allow train traffic to proceed.