Wedding Tragedy

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21190, 13 August 1940, Page 4

Wedding Tragedy

BRIDE AND MAID KILLED IN CAR SMASH SOLDIER HUSBAND INJURED ON WAY BACK TO CAMP (By Telegraph.—Press Association) NELSON, Tuesday A bri«fe of only three hours and her bridesmaid at a Nelson wedding yesterday afternoon were both killed in a motor accident on a back road at Stoke at about seven o’clock last evening. The bridal party was travelling to the Nelson-Wellington ferry to farewell the soldier husband, a member of the Third Echelon, who was to have returned to camp by boat. The bridegroom and best man, both members of the Third Echelon, were admitted to hospital, both in a moderately serious condition. The victims were':— Killed Miss Fridl Weyergang, aged 26, Waimea Street, Nelson, killed instantaneously from head ininjuries. Mrs Barbara Childs, Nelson, died in hospital from head injuries. Injured Private James Anthony Childs, aged 27, Champion Road, Richmond, severe concussion and shock, extensive scalp wounds, fractured

leg; condition moderately serious. Private James Joseph Derek Thompson, aged 24, Blenheim, formerly of Nelson, shock and severe concussion, fractured upper jaw, crushed wound to chest and lacerated wounds to face; condition moderately serious. Failed To Take Corner Mr and Mrs Childs were married in Nelson Cathedral at 4 o’clock in the afternoon, the bride being Miss Barbara Gould. Driven by Private Thompson, the bridal party had been to Richmond to Mr Childs’ home. On the way back to Nelson to catch the boat they travelled down a back road to Stoke. On a comer known as Russell’s Corner, where the back road joins Quarantine Road, the car went straight on instead of taking the comer, jumped a ditch about two feet in depth, and struck a tree on the other side. Damage To Car The front of the car, a late model sedan, was stove in and the windscreen and steering column smashed. People living in the vicinity heard the smash and quickly went to give assistance. It was found that Miss Weyergang was dead. The other three were sent to hospital, where Mrs Childs died half an hour after admission. Mrs Childs was the daughter of Mr A. Gould, chairman of the Nelson Harbour Board.