TERRIBLE ACCIDENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 January 1921, Page 5

TERRIBLE ACCIDENT.

FIRE ENGINE OVERTURNS. TWO MEN KILLED. ; OTHERS SERIOUSLY INJURED, By Telegraph.-—Press Assorfltitm. Hamilton, Last Night. A terrible accident occurred last evening as a result of a fire engine overturning, and two men were killed and nine others more or less seriously injured, viz.:— KILLED. Fireman Hubert Graham, 24 years old, single. Fireman George Prince, 68 years old, married, with 14 children. SERIOUSLY INJURED. Superintendent C. H. Archer, a broken collarbone and minor injuries. Fireman S. Dickey, concussion of the brain. Other men on the engine were: Tucky (driver), J. N. Irvine, S. Davis, T. Davis, L. Davis, G. Morris, and J. St. Clair.

The brigade were at a grass fire at Claudelands, when another alarm for fire in the main street sounded, and they were returning. When nearing, the foot of the hill a motor lorry was noticed ahead in the centre of the road. The engine was well on its right side, having just previously gone almost into the water table in order to pass two cars. The horn of the engine was scunded continuously, and the firemen also shouted to attract the attention of the driver of the lorry, but evidently the latter did not hear and kept on in the middle of the road.

Driver' Tucky, in endeavouring to pass the 1 lorry on the right side, applied the brakes, but unfortunately the engine was evidently too far over and struck the bank, which, combined with the fact that the brakes had just been applied, caused the rear end of the engine to swerve, and the engine turned a complete somersault, then righting itself in a miraculous fashion. The men were thrown in all directions.

It was at once seen that the results were serious, and willing helpers were soon on the spot. Graham was found lying in a pool of blood unconscious and evidently in a precarious condition. He died in’the hospital without regaining consciousness. Prince was also very seriously injured. He was removed to hospital and operated upon immediately after admission, a leg being amputated, but he failed to rally and died about 9 p.m. Prince showed great powers of endurance and was more concerned regarding the injuries of the others than his own. He urged the helpers to leave him and do something for the younger members of the brigade who had been injured. S. Dickey was badly hurt and was unconscious. He was taken to hospital, and at latest advices was still unconscious.

George Prince was 68 years of age, and a very old and highly esteemed resident of the town, where he has resided for 21 years past. He was regarded as a pioneer fireman of the town and a man of remarkable vitality. Altogether he has been connected with fire fighting for the past 30 years. Formerly he* was employed by the Railway Department for 30 years, and retired several years ago on superannuation. He was a native of England and came to New Zealand nearly 40 years ago. He always associated himself with different forms of sport. He leaves a widow and fourteen children.

Graham was 24 years of age. His parents reside in Auckland. He saw three years’ war service and was awarded the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal, and the Victory Medal. Eighteen months ago he joined the Hamilton Fire Brigade and had proved a very popular member, being a conscientious worker and liked socially. The news of the accident east a gloom over the whole town and. district, and general sympathy is expressed for the victims. It is said that never before in New Zealand has such a big fire brigade accident occurred. The engine weighed about five tons. It was badly damaged, and the wonder is that more of the men were not killed. Several had miraculous escapes.