CROSSING SMASH.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 19854, 15 February 1930, Page 14

CROSSING SMASH.

MAN seriously injured.

gig struck by train at TEMPLETON.

Serious injuries were received by Kobert Breeze, the driver of a horse and gig> when his vehicle was struck by a train at the Jeffs's road level crossing, Templeton, last evening. Breeze was taken to the Christchurch Hospital, and-at a late hour last night he had still not Recovered consciousness, and his condition was reported to be very critical. The accident occurred at about 6.i0 i) in. the train concerned being a special good's from the South to Christchurch. it was not a very heavy train, comprising only about 15 waggons. Apparently Breeze, who was driving to the City from Rollcston, did not see the approaching train at the crossing urttil it was too late to avoid the smash. He was seen by an eye-witness to start as he realised his danger when almost on the line, and to urgo the horse across the track. The engine struck the vehicle almost square on the left wheel and swept it over the cattle-stop and down the line for a distance of about 30 yards. Breeze was carried with it for some distance, and was then fortunately thrown clear of the rails. He was picked up suffering from severe injuries to the head and body, and rushed in the ambulance to the Hospital. Curiously enough the horse, and two dogs that were being carried in the back of the gig, were not injured. The force of the impact completely severed the harness, and the horse was left standing on the crossing near the cattlestop. The dogs were apparently thrown from the back of the cart. The vehicle was badly damaged, the wheel that took the first force of the collision being smashed to matchwood.

Visibility is quite good at the crossing, the hedge bordering the approaching roads having plenty of gaps that would allow of a view of approaching trains. It was still dnylighfc at the time of the smash. Breeze was identified L>y residents in the district. His exact address is not known, but it is believed that he resides in Addington.