CROSSING SMASH

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 23, 28 January 1936, Page 11

CROSSING SMASH

LORRY DRIVER KILLED

TWO CHILDREN INJURED

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

GORE, This Day.

As the result of a collision at the Pukerau railway crossing between a motor lorry and the north express at

8.30 this morning one person is dead and two injured. The victims were:— Killed. Percy Millar, of Pukerau, a farm hand, aged 26, married. Injured. May Hoffman, aged 12, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Hoffman, East Gore, both legs broken. Lewis Hoffman, aged 7, head injuries, not serious. Marylyn Millar, aged 2, a daughter of Percy Millar, had a miraculous escape. Millar, who was employed by Stanley Edwards, farmer, of Pukerau, was driving the lorry with cream to the Pukerau dairy factory. He was accompanied by his daughter Marylyn and Lewis and May Hoffman, his nephew and niece. Visibility at the crossing was bad, and Millar apparently failed to see the train, which does not stop at Pukerau. The impact was terrific, and the lorry was smashed to pulp. The occupants were thrown into the cattle-stop.

Passers-by assisted to extricate the people, and medical aid was summoned. Millar, wno was seriously injured, died on the way to hospital. May and Lewis Hoffman were admitted to hospital.

The deceased was a well-known resident of Pukerau, and a member of the football club and cricket club.

The express was delayed for twentyfive minutes. No damage was done to the train.