FATAL ACCIDENT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 April 1940, Page 4

FATAL ACCIDENT

CAR SOMERSAULTS NEAR MASTERTON ONE OCCUPANT KILLED. THREE OTHERS IN HOSPITAL. A fatal accident occurred on the Masterton-Gladstone main highway shortly after 7 o'clock on Saturday night, when a tourer car proceeding to Masterton capsized when negotiating a bend two miles from Mastertonr Mr Brian Patrick Brennan, aged 20 years, of Bunny Street, Masterton, an occupant of the car. received head injuries from which he died before the arrival of medical assistance. The driver of the car, Mr Leo McCracken, of Essex Street, Masterton, suffered severe head injuries, an occupant, Mr Lyall Barber, Essex Street. Masterton. head injuries, and the other occupant. Mr Leslie B. Bellworthy also of Essex Street, Masterton, concussion After receiving medical attention from Dr Graham Cowie the injured men were conveyed by ambulance to the Masterton Hospital. Constables C. Reardon and R. Berry were called to the scene of the accident. From the marks to be seen on the road, it appears that the car skidded in rounding the long turn in the road, adjacent to Mr Guthrie Smiths property at Homebush. The back wheels left the bitumen and to avoid colliding with a telegraph pole the driver seems to have turned sharply to the right, and headed towards Mr Guthrie Smith's gateway. To avoid striking another pole the driver apparently pulled the car to the left again, causing it to turn broadside on to the road. The car. it is said, turned over several times, coming to rest several chains down the road, upside down, all the occupants being thrown out. The car was extensively damaged. There was no change in the condition of the injured men this morning. The Masterton police wish to make contact with the motorist who rendered prompt assistance after the accident and called at Mr Guthrie-Smith's residence to summon assistance. His good work is commended. The funeral will leave St. Patrick's Church tomorrow, after Mass, which will be held at 9 a.m. for the Masterton Cemetery. INQUEST OPENED. An inquest was opened this morning before the District Coroner, Mr E. G. Eton. Formal evidence of identification was given by Mr J. F. McDonald, of Masterton. and on the application.of Detective-Sergeant W. Kane the inquest was adjourned sine die.