SHOCKING ACCIDENT.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9630, 23 October 1909, Page 5

SHOCKING ACCIDENT.

WOMAN FALLb FROM A J^RAIN KILLED INSTANTLY. \ By Telegraph—Press Association." I CHRISTCHURCH, October 22. A shocking accident occurred on the main South line this afternoon. Among the passengers who left for tne South by the mid-day express was Mrs Somerfield* wife of the stationmaster at Rakaia. When the train was between Islington and Templeton Mrs Somerfield fell off the carriage platform, and sustatined dreadful injuries from which she must epeediy have succumbed. The first news received in Christchurch about it was telegraphed from Rakaia. The body was found lying on the rails by a railway employee named William Workman. He informed Constable McDonald of Islington of the occurrence, and the constable brought the body to town. Fuller details of the sad affar show that the deceased was formerly Miss Lyons, of Auckland, and was about 35 years of age. It appeared that the unfortunate woman was crossing from the carriage to the dining car, and in attempting to grasp the communicating hand-rail slipped and fell feet foremost between the carriages on to the line. Death was probably instantaneously, five cars passing over her body. The accident was witnessed by George Baker, head waiter of the dining car. He stated that it took place when the train was proceeding at a medium pace about three quarters of a mile north of Templeton.