FATAL MOTOR SMASH.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 56, 7 March 1932, Page 3

FATAL MOTOR SMASH.

CAR STRIKES POWER POLE

GIRL OF FIFTEEN DIES. BROTHER AND SISTER INJURED. May Watkin, aged 15, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Watkin, of Takanini, died in the Auckland Hospital shortly after admission yesterday of injuries ehe received when a motor car, in which she \va« one of nine occupants, crashed into an electric-power pole in the shopping area of Otahuhu. A brother, Laurie Watkin, aged 7J years, and a sister, Ha Watkin, aged 12, received severe head injuries, and also were admitted to the hospital. Their condition, thouirh serious yesterday, had improved to-day. The six other occupants of the car, who all received a severe shaking, were: Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Watkin, a young son and daughter; an employee of Mr. Watkin, Mr. S. Brown; and Mr. Harold Watkin, who was driving at the time of the accident. When the accident occurred, about 3..'!0 p.m., the car was going southward. It suddenly swerved to tho left, and, mounting the footpath kerb, crashed into the power pole just inside the kerb. The base of the pole was forced about 12in out of alignment, as a result of the impact, and the crosri poles bearing the wires were broken oil'. Although the main line did not break, the supply connections to the Masonic Hall, the Star Hotel and several other buildings were cut oiT. The driver was thrown so violently against the driving wheel that one side wufi bent downwards at right angles, and all those in the rear seats were hurled against the back of the front seat. The bumper on the front of the car bent almost completely around the power pole. Before the ear could be taken from the post it was necessary to prise the bumper open.