SHOCKING ACCIDENT.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume LXX, Issue 4179, 9 February 1912, Page 2

SHOCKING ACCIDENT.

COLLISION AT STYX

An accident at the Styx soon after mid-day on Wednesday, says yesterday's " Lyttelton Times," resulted in the death of two men, ocoupants of a motor car, which was smashed to pieces by the north train that leaves the city at twelve o'clock.

The car was driven by Mr Marshall Brown, salesman for the Overland! motor cars, who was accompanied by a friend, Mr Peter Fransden. They left in their car on Wednesday morning to go to Rangiora. On returning to town they evidently reached the crossing at the Styx simultaneously with the outgoing train. It is not known how the car got in the way of the train. The first those on the train knew of the accident was the sound of the collision and repeated jerks. The brakes were applied at once, and the train was drawn up as soon as possible.

It was then found that the car had been reduced to splinters. It was dragged along the line for about fifty yards, and pieces of it were thrown out from the rail 3.

Both of the unfortunate men were killed almost instantaneously.

Mr Brown was a married man, about thirty years of age, and he leaves a widow, but no children. He wa3 a resident of Christchurch, and was greatly liked and respected, especially by his fellow workers at the New Zealand Farmers' Co operative Association, which is the New Zealand agent for the car he sold. It is stated tbat he was a clear-beaded well balanced man, and one of tbe most careful drivers in the city. His friends are at a loss to account for the accident, as they say that he was the last man they know who would be likely to take any risks.

Mr Fransden was a single man, about 35 years of age, and was also n resident of Christchurch. He was employed by the Dresden Company for about four years, but recently he left that firm to engage in the motor-cycle business. He was also employed as a ticket-taker at the Theatre Royal.