CROSSING SMASH.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 62, Issue 162, 22 April 1942, Page 2

CROSSING SMASH.

DEATH OF MR J. J. S. GIBSON. EVIDENCE AT THE INQUEST. Based on the medical evidence, a yer* diet that death Avas due to severe shock and internal hemorrhage Avas .returned by the District Coroner (Mr E. C. Bathurst) this morning, Avhen the adjourned inquest into the circumstances of tho death of Mr John Joseph Seddon Gibson was resumed. Mr Cibson, who Avas a shepherd, aged 35, residing at Hakatere, died four hours alter he had been injured when an express train hit the car lie Avas driving at the Kormode Street crossing on March 9. IrAvin Keith Hands, a schoolboy, stated that he Avas Avatcliing the train approach, when he saAV a car going toAvard the line oil tho Ivermode Street crossing. The train hit the car, which did not seem to pull up before it was hit. He heard the engine Avhistle tAvice. John Thomas Charles *S>mith said that he Avas about 80 paces from the Kermode Street crossing when the express Avas approaching. He saw a car go on to the crossing at a speed of 10 to 15 miles an hour. The engine struck the car in the centre of the. righthand side and the car Avas carried over the Moore Street crossing. Victor Harold Joseph Claude, of Christchurch, fireman of the engine of the express, gave evidence of whistles blown by the driver of the engine as tlie train came ofF the bridge. Witness saiv a car approaching the line from his left and making no effort to stop. The car avus struck and carried for about 200 yards. The train Avas travelling at about 30 miles an hour at the time of tho collision. Dr. V. T. ES. Whitehead, house surgeon at the Ashburton Public Hospital, gave evidence of injuries suffered by the driver of the car. There were injuries to the left leg, the chest and one hand. All the ribs on the right side were fractured and the kidney was pulped. There had been considerable internal hemorrhage. Death Avas due to this and to severe shock. The car driver was ali\'e when admitted to hospital, and died at 7.45 p.m. The ‘Coroner said that no blame attached to the driver of the engine.