WOMAN DIES IN FIRE

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27502, 9 November 1954, Page 12

WOMAN DIES IN FIRE

Pinned In Flames By Runaway Car 200 ONLOOKERS AT ACCIDENT

(New Zealand Press Association) WANGANUI, November 8. A belated celebration this evening of Guy Fawkes day by the Huntley School, near Marton, ended with the death of a woman spectator, believed to be a member of the school staff. She* was caught by a runaway car from a hillside, and carried into a fiercely blazing fire, pinned underneath the vehicle, and burnt to death in front of about 200 onlookers. The woman’s name could not be confirmed tonight, but it is believed to be Mrs Joan Ellis, of the school staff, aind it is believed that the car, which was destroyed by the fire, was owned by Mrs Fullerton-Smith, of Marton. A boy attending the school was struck by the car as it ran into the fire, but he managed to jump cjear. The woman was caught by the front bumper. The car travelled an estimated distance of 70 yards and was moving very swiftly when the woman was struck. Many in the crowd just managed to jump clear of the car.