CRASH THROUGH BRIDGE

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 983, 28 May 1930, Page 12

CRASH THROUGH BRIDGE

CAR FALLS INTO RIVER MEN RESCUED WITH BOAT When their sedan car skidded and crashed through the railings- of the Whau River bridge at New Lynn about 7.20 last evening, coming to rest entirely submerged in the water, the two occupants clambered on to the hood and shouted for help. They were finally rescued by a man with a boat. The car, driven by the owner, Mr. J. B. Cranwell, of Rata Street, Henderson, who had with him Mr. L. Allen, also of Henderson, was coming toward the city. Halfway across the bridge the car skidded and carried away more than 60 feet of railings before plunging into the river. The tide was high at the time, and the water was a few inches above the top of the hood when the ear came to rest on its wheels in the creek bed. The two men had time to climb out of the vehicle, and waited on top of the hood until Mr. Walter Shadgett, who lives close by, came to their rescue in a boat.

Mr. Cranwell escaped with a cut on his chin, and Mr. Allen with a few bruises. They were treated by Hr. W. A. Alexander, of New Lynn, before returning home.

The car was badly damaged, the front wheels being twisted, the radiator battered, and the mudguards buckled.

The bridge will be controlled by traffic officers until repairs can be carried out.