FATAL ACCIDENT AT HURUNUI

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22894, 15 December 1939, Page 8

FATAL ACCIDENT AT HURUNUI

INQUEST RESUMED AT WAIKARI EVIDENCE ON DEATH OF , CHRISTCHURCH MAN The inquest into the death of Joseph Brookway Trudgebn, who was killed in a motor accident at Hurunui on November 10,, was resumed at Waikari yesterday afternoon before Mr H. A. Young, Coroner. , Mr R. A. Young represented Trudgeon’s family. Dr. J. B. Page, of Waikari, stated that when called to the scene of the accident Trudgeon was already dead. He found extensive bruising of the chest and back, and the face and lips were cyanosed. There were no broken bones or other injuries. In conjunction with the history of the accident, the injuries would indicate death by asphyxiation, the man being unable to breathe because of pressure on his chest. Daniel Sloan, licensee of the Hurunui Hotel, said that when called to the scene he saw J. 8., Lancaster (the passenger in the s car) attempting to lift the car, which was upside-j down. Lancaster informed him that his friend was underneath and that he was trying to get him out. Sloan said he heard the man call about twice from under the car in a low voice, saying, “Lift it off.” He and Lancaster tried to lift the car, but it was too heavy. Lancaster eased +no weight from Trudgeon, while Sloan hailed a passing motorist, and the three of them turned the car on itsside. Trudgeon did not speak again. He was in a huddled position. They got him. to the side of the road and carried him to the hotel.

In reply to the Coroner, Sloan said that on that day there was an exceptionally strong north-west wind with very strong gusts at times, and approaching the culvert where the accident occurred the wind was concentrated in the gully as in a funnel The passenger appeared quite sober and composed, and did all he could to assist in lifting the car. Constable F. L. Hook, of Waikari, said that he was Informed by Dr. Page that the man was dead. He found the car on its side considerably damaged, and the railing on the right of the bridge carried away. The contents of the car were lying on the road, including personal effects, a can of petrol, and five bottles of ale. The scene of the accident was 255 yards north of the Hurunui Hotel on a tarsealed road. Sixty-three yards south of the culvert there was a slight rise in the road which then curved and sloped gradually down to the culvert. There was quite a' clear view ahead. The wheel-marks clearly showed that when 70 feet from .the culvert the car did not deviate with the curve of the road 'but continued straight on the outer edge with the right wheels 'in the loose shingle on the shoulder of the bitumen, and went straight through the Snd rails of the bridge. Thfe car had overturned facing in the opposite direction. There were no marks of the brakes having been applied. • The passenger in the car was with Trudgeon when he (the constable) arrived. He was quite steady in his gait, but appeared dazed. His speech was slightly blurred and he appeared to be recovering from the effects of alcohol. The hearing was then adjourned sine die to Christchurch where the evidence of Lancaster will be taken.