CROSSING SMASH

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18677, 28 April 1926, Page 9

CROSSING SMASH

VICTORIAN DISASTER. NAMES OF THE KILLED. (BT cmi—PBXSS 18«OCUTIOir—COPtBIOHTO Ucsnums akb s.z cabm ABSoctwios 1 MELBOURNE, April 27. The names of the dead in the Fern Tree Hill railway smash are: Marjoiie Walker, 19, single; Charles Ban; Mrs ifvans, widow; Leslie Matthews; Eileen Matthews; Thelma Richards, all oi Clifton Hill. Percy R. Ashton and Mts Ashton, widow, both of Northcote. Also a boy, very badly mutilated and not identifiable, but who is believed to be a nephew of Mrs Ashton. Those seriously injured are: May Evans, Robert Bridges, Mrs Ruby Bridges, Arnold Bridges, Samuel Tantini, Colin Ashton, Dori3 Willis, and Gwen Evans. Altogether, there were fifteen injured. The train left Melbourne at 5.58 p.m., and the accident occurred ten minutes later. It is regarded as remarkable that even more were not killed outright. The train was moving rapidly, and ran nearly half its length before it could be pulled up. One passenger on the vau said she noticed the approach of the train as the truck ran on to the crossing, and, thinking it too close for safety, jumped from the back •of the van. She injured her hand in doing so, but escaped serious injury.

The occupants of the van were arranged along three temporary seats, and were nearly all related. They were meiibers of a picnic club, who subscribed funds. As they approached the crossing, several of the occupants warned the driver that the crossing was a dangerous one, and he slowed down and crossod it at a very slow speed. When the train struck the van, the latter was carried alohg for ten yards before it was thrown clear. Robert Bridges, who was seated in front with the driver, said he did not know of the train's approach till the accident' happened. The driver of the truck, Samuel Tantini, said that it was just getting dark. He had headlights on, and there were no lights in the van. He did not hear the train whistle because the party were singing.

WORK OF RESCUE. MELBOURNE, April 27. Tha Assistant-Metropolitan Railway Superintendent, who was at Fern Tree Gully dealing with the holiday traffic, hastily organised a staff of railway employees, who assisted in removing the dead from beneath the train, and in collecting the injured for removal to the ambulances. The train whioh struck the van was detained to bring the bodies of the victims to Melbourne, where Bpecial arrangements were made for their reception, and the conveyance of the bodies to the morgue.

The news of the disaster spread rapidly, and a large squad of police was necessary to keep back the curious spectators when the train arrived. The injured were brought to Melbourne by motor ambulances, as the doctors decided that this was preferable to the train journey, which would involve transferring them to ambulances on arrival in the city. The scene at the Flinders street station when the train arrived was harrowing. The sight of the mangled bodieß proved too much for some railway officials and the police, and some time elapsed before they were able to undertake their terrible duties. In two cases the bodies were literally cut to pieces. The guard of the train states that he has witnesses to testify that the train's whistle was sounded continuously as it approached the crossing. The motorman is suffering from shock, and is unable to make a statement. The Railway Commissioners have issued a statement expressing deep regret at the disaster, and their heartfelt sympathy with the relatives of the unfortunate viotims.

A high tribute was paid to a party of Boy Scouts who assisted to remove the bodies from beneath the train, and to ! render first aid to the injured I John Walker, one of the less injured, stated that he was sitting next to the driver. Neither of them heard the train approaching Suddenly the shrill blast of the whistle rang out, and almost simultaneously there was an awful crash. He was thrown into the air and rendered unconscious. The train evidently hit the back of the van, as those sitting in the back were killed, and those in the front injured. NINTH VICTIM IDENTIFIED. (ATJBTHALUH AND V.Z. CABLE 48S00UTIQH.) (Received April 28th, 12.55 a.m.) MELBOURNE, April 27. The ninth victim of yesterday's smash has been identified as Ronald Hyne, aged five years. The condition of three or four of the injured is serious.

TWO KILLED NEAR ADELAIDE. (AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z, CABLE ASSOCIATION.) ADELAIDE, April 2i. As a train from Angaston to Adelaide reached a level-crossing, three miles north of Gaw.ler, it collided with a motor-car occupied by a man named Hogan, his wife, and two daughters, and an infant. Hie car was wrecked. Mrs logan and one daughter were killed. The other daughter and infant are suffering from head and internal injuries, and are not expected to recover. The father also is in a critical condition.