RAILWAY FATALITY.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 February 1919, Page 5

RAILWAY FATALITY.

MAN KILLED BY SUDDEN

STOPPAGE. , Waim&te, February 4. At an inquest on Charles lulled on January tilth, at HJlenavy, tho evidence disclosed that he was a passenger from Morven to Oamaru by a mixed train. After 3hunting had been completed at Glcnavy, the train moved up to bring the ears opposite the platlorm. A vjin was on frlie southern end and the engine on the northern end of the long train. The jerk was terrille. Two passengers were yarniug in tli* guard's van, One, William Woods, was knocked ilat; the other, McCrossan, wan leaning against the iron jam of tho sliding door, which was shut with the jolt 01 the train, smashing McCrossan's head and causing instant death. Deceased's! pipe and hat fell outside the train, but the body fell on the floor of the vau. Wood was so dazed ho could not tell what had" happened. When deceased was picked up both his hands were stiU in his trousers pockets. 'Die glass in the end door of the van was broken by the impact. The engine • driver, John Patrick Leigh, stated that he had been driving for twelve years, and had never had any trouble. He reduced about 61b on gettins the signal to stop, then made small reductions till the train stopped within seven or eight wagon lengths of the first reduction The guard (Hughes) stated that the hrake went on on the front of the train fW, and on the rear of the train a few seconds later, causing it to runup and hump. ' The verdict was that deceased was killed by the sudden stoppage of the train, and that nobody *in particular was to blame at the present time.