LEVEL CROSSING ACCIDENT

Evening Star, Issue 19198, 15 March 1926, Page 8

LEVEL CROSSING ACCIDENT

THE PAEKABARIKI SMASH THE COMER'S VERDICT [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, March 13. An inquest on William Ernest Forclluun and his wife (Ilubina Victoria) and Allred William Wallis and his wile (Florence Mary), who were killed in the smash ol a loaded lorry at Packakariki level crossing on February 25, was hold to-day. Ono witness stated Ids opinion that, with the four deceased and’ the child, Vesta Fordham (who was solo “survivor), all in the cab, there was not sufficient room lor tho driver Fordham. Athol M. Munson, assistant district railway engineer, said tho top ol the coaches of a train was visible six and a-halt' nr seven chains from the crossing. Tho road approached the crossing at a grade ol about ono in twelve, making a stop easy. The crossing was fairly safe compared with others in tho district. There wore trees near tho lino on private property. Tho fireman of tho train (Charles Blackford) said tho engine hit tho lorry broadside on. Tho train was going at the rate ol ■ forty-live miles an hour. Tho whistle was blown 250yds before the crossing was reached. It was not possible to get more chan half a chain’s view of tho road from- the railway line.

Alfred L. Deans, tho driver of the engine, corroborated this evidence. Me said tho schedule sheet for tho section was fifty miles an hour. If people looked out they could see 250yds of the lino between the trees near the road. The collision occurred two seconds alter the fireman warnedhim. After further evidence, the coroner said this was ono of tho worst accidents of tho kind ever recorded in the dominion. Apparently tho people in tho motor wore talking and looking in another direction, and were nob aware of the proximity ol the train. The evidence showed that certain trees partially obscured the view of the lino, though the train could bo seen several chains along the lino. Tho evidence had failed io disclose why the driver did not stop the lorry.

The verdict was I hat tiio deceased met their deaths accidentally.