TRAMS COLLIDE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 66, Issue 74, 8 January 1946, Page 2

TRAMS COLLIDE

FOUR PERSONS INJURED i (P.A.) AUCKLAND, Jan. 7. Four persons were injured and a tramway motorman had a remarkable escape from injurey when two citybound tramears collided violently this afternoon. The accident occurred in Symonds Street near the intersection of East Street.

The injured people are:--Mrs Olive Oates, of Sandringham, injured right leg and severe shock. Mr Ivan Juricli, of Mount Eden, believed to have fractured his right arm. , i Mrs Mavis Carmouc, of Ponsonby, severe shock.

The conductor of one of the trams. Mr A. N. Lewis, had an arm injured, but was not taken to hospital. The two tram-cars, which were both well filled, were proceeding in the same direct-ton. The rear platform of the first car was cleared right back to the passenger compartment, all the woodwork being splintered and metal fittings twisted out of all recognition. The front of the second tram-car was also smashed and twisted, although 1 less seriously. * The drivers’ windows were pushed forward against, the partition behind the mot'orman's compartment. the motorman, Mr B. B. Barber having a remarkable escape from injury. “It sounded as if the whole tram was breaking up,” a passenger in the first tram-car said. “I jumped smartly and saw the motorman of the car behind jumping clear about the same time. Both trams were still moving when the collision occurred.”

The cause of the collision will be investigated by the Auckland Transport Board.