SERIOUS ACCIDENT

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 91, 14 October 1914, Page 2

SERIOUS ACCIDENT

MOTOR-CAR AND EXPRESS COLLIDE. A serious collision, occurred on the Hutt-road, near Rocky Point, about 5 o'clock last evening, between a motorcar and a four-wheeled express wagon. The car, which contained Mr. and Mrs. F. T. Clarke, of Brougham-street, Mrs. Manthel, sen. {mother of Mrs. Clarke and also of Mr. M. Manthel, electrical engineer), and Master Noel Manthel, aged ten (son of Mr. M. Manthel), was driven by Mr. Clarke, and was coming into town at a fair pace. It continued on its .correct side, so it is stated, and bad to pass an express going from Wellington to Upper Hutt. According to the occupants of the car, the expresa suddenly ewerved from the middle of the road, and came into Violent collision with the car, overturning it and throwing the passengers out. The express ie owned by Geange and Co., of the UppeT Hutt, and was driven by a. man named A. Soutbee. The ladies, who were in the back seat, were thrown out dear of the car. Mrs. Clarke escaped with a few bruises, but her mother was badly hurt about the face, 'hands, and body. Mr. Clarke and his grandson wratained serious injuries. The former's head was pinned to the ground by the car, which also held one of the boy's legs so. fast that he was unable to extricate himself. Both were released by people from a passing train. Mr. Clarke, who was unconscious, was promptly taken to the hospital in the ambulant*. He is Suffering from a depressed fracture of_ the skull, and his condition is very ssrious. The boy had a remadcnble escape from instant death. Ho was thoroughly soaked with benzine, consequent tipon the bursting of the tank, and some of the liquid got into hie mouth. He and Mrs. Clarke were brought into town in Mrs. Walter G. Johnston's motor-car, and were attended to by Drs. Hislop and Whyte. He is badly cut about the legs, head, and face, and fltitches had to be inserted in several places. Dr. Ross, of Petone, who appeared on the scene just after the accident occurred, rendered first aid. Mr. Aldridge, of the Hotel Cecil, drove Mrs. Manthel to her home in Broughamstreet. The motor-car was severely damaged, and also the front of the express. Both horse and driver escaped uninjured.