CROSSING SMASH

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 July 1938, Page 9

CROSSING SMASH

THREE PERSONS INJURED. TAXI HIT BY TRAIN. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) PALMERSTON NORTH, July 7. Five people had an amazing escape from serious injury or death at the Ruahine Street level crossing, Palmerston North, at about 2 o’clock this morning, when a taxi with four passengers. driven by Mr J. J. F. Levens, was struck by the cow-catcher of a goods train engine, and extensively damaged. Three of the passengers were taken to hospital, and the fourth, who was thrown out of the car and landed on the ground 30 feet away, escaped unscathed. The injured are: — Miss M. Isaacs, 369 Ruahine Street, Palmerston North, broken leg, cut head; condition fair. Mr J. Woods, address unknown, severe concussion; condition unimproved, though he has regained consciousness. Miss. Engles, 369 Ruahine Street, Palmerston North, shock; to be discharged tomorrow. The fourth passenger was Mr J. Millar, 2a Andrew Young Street, Palmerston North. He was uninjured. The driver of the taxi had a remarkable escape. The main force of the impact came toward his door, which was badly battered. The injuries he received were slight, and consisted of minor cuts on the head and legs. The car was being driven eastward up Ruahine Street, and the party was returning from the Manawatu Scottish Society’s dance. The vehicle was hurled across the lines and came to rest on its wheels and at right angles to its line of travel.