TRAIN HITS CAR

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29246, 2 July 1960, Page 12

TRAIN HITS CAR

Man Killed At Annex Road Thrown nearly 30 feet when his car was struck by the Christ-church-Springfield train on the Annex road level crossing. Sunnyside, late yesterday afternoon, a man suffered severe multiple injuries from which he died in the Christchurch Public Hospital early last evening. He was: Antonhu Blaaken, of Sturrocks road, Papanui, an employee of C. W. F. Hamilton, Ltd., engineers. Sockburn. The accident occurred about 430 p.m. The train struck the driver’s side of the car, completely demolishing the engine and forward part. The car was thrown about 50 feet in the impact It came to rest on its side beside the railway line, and some distance from the road. A breakdown truck had to winch the forward part of the car and tow it away on its rear wheels. Mr Blanken, the sole occupant of the car, was travelling towards Blenheim road. He was flung clear of the car and was found lying on the ground about 30 feet from his vehicle. He suffered internal and other multiple injuries. He was rushed to hospital by St. John Ambulance but died at 6 p.m. The train, a goods express, also earned a number of passengers. It was delayed for some time before continuing on its way to Springfield. A Railways Department officer said lights and bells were operating at the crossing, which is unmanned. One of the warning light standards was knocked over by the car.