Two Deaths When Brakes Failed

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30559, 30 September 1964, Page 3

Two Deaths When Brakes Failed

(N Z. Press Association) INVERCARGILL, September 29.

An Invercargill vehicle inspector today told the Coroner (MrT. R. Pryde) that examination • of a three-ton truck involved in a collision with a car on June 1 2—k ill in g two people—revealed the brakes were useless because of a leak in the hydraulic braking system.

The inspector, Wesley Edward Lowry, said the leak was caused by corrosion and dirt, and would be unnoticed because both rear braking plates were covered with oil. which would disguise leaking oiL The Coroner conducted the inquest into the deaths of Percival Anslie Lundy, aged 51, of Rangiora. and Mrs Quane Mary Herriott Hous-

ton, aged 49, of Christchurch They died after the car driven by Mr Lundy and a Mon .son - Downer - Fletcher truck collided on the Mararoa bridge of the MossburnTe Anau highway. The truck driver, Terrence William Brown, told the Coroner the accident could have been avoided if the brakes had not failed. Brown said that on June 12, he approached the bridge at 30 m.p.h. He had difficulty seeing traffic from the. opposite direction because of buildVf approaches to the bridge at both ends. As he moved on to the bridge, Brown said he saw a car approaching. He braked, and when this had no effect, he applied the hand brake, but the collision occurred at that moment. The Coroner found that Mr Lundy died on June 12 from injuries to his chest and multiple injuries to his legs.

Mrs Houston died the same day from asphyxiation caused by blood filling major air passages.