FOUR VICTIMS.

Wairarapa Age, 26 February 1927, Page 5

FOUR VICTIMS.

OF ONGARUE CROSSING SMASH. DEATH OF SECOND CHILD. A Press Association message from Te Kuiti reports the death of a fourth victim of the terrible level crossing accident at Ongarue. in which a motor , car containing Mr. George McElroy and >his family was smashed by the Daylight Limited express. In addition to Mr. McElroy, his wife and a child of 18 months, Doreen McElroy, aged 5, was so injured that she* died while being taken to Te Kuiti. Of the other occupants of the car, Coleen McElroy, aged two and a half years, suffered a fractured leg. Patsy McElroy, aged four years, was bruised and cut about. Alice Gospodnevich, aged 19 years, suffered from shock and severe injuries to her shoulder and bruises and cuts on the body. The three last-named are in the Te* Kuiti Hospital, and are not in immediate danger, although the extent of their injuries is not yet known.

Word was sent to the doctor at Te Kuiti, who motored to Puketutu and met the train and gave every help to the.sufferers on their way to Te Kuiti. A number of the Moscovitch Company, who were on the train, rendered valuable assistance for the relief of the sufferers. The crossing is a particularly dangerous one. y. A preliminary inquest was held berfore a Coroner yesterday morning, when informal evidence was given bv the brother of deceased, who stated that the deceased had had 20 years’ experience as a driver, and held a taxidriver’s license. The inquest was adjourned sine die to obtain further evidence. A SERIES OF MISFORTUNES. FEILDING, February 25. Mr. G. McElroy was an ex-Fcilding resident. His family has suffered a aeries of misfortunes'. A little while ago, his mother and sister were seriously injured in a motor accident. Then his brother, while driving a lorry, collided with a cyclist, who was killed. Nest, his father was serionslv injured through being kicked by a horse. Last Munday his brother’s shop and dwellin'. C v< ‘rc completely destroyed by fire. Th' parents are now prostrated by the tragic Ongarue affair.—(P.A.)