HIPPO CLIMBS CAR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 April 1940, Page 3

HIPPO CLIMBS CAR

SOUTH AFRICAN MOTORIST "HELD UP.’’ BONNET CRUSHED ON ENGINE. — A South African motorist had the hair-raising experience of suddenly finding a hippopotamus clambering over his car on a bushveld road. Mr. J. J. Horn and his young brother, both of the Selati Estate. Ofcolaco, were returning home at about eight o’clock one evening in their sedan car. When they reached the blind approach to the Mabasi bridge, about three miles from Ofcolaco. Mr. Horn slowed down, and as he reached the low water bridge he saw a hippopotamus standing in the middle. He applied his brakes immediately and pulled up within ton feet of the animal. Dazzled by the lights, it lumbered towards the ear and started climbing over it. Mr. Horn immediately reversed with difficulty from under the animal, which already had three-quarters of its weight on the ear and was making good progress towards the hood.

The hippopotamus crashed heavily on to its side, then rose and leisurely inspected the car. and finally ambled off the bridge to the river. The front, of the ear was badly damaged. the bonnet being crushed flat, on to the engine and the upper accessories of the engine being smashed. The mudguards were flattened down to the wheels and the bumper and radiator grille torn off.