BAD CAR SMASH

Evening Star, Issue 23113, 12 November 1938, Page 16

BAD CAR SMASH

FOUR PEOPLE INJURED TWO SERIOUSLY S, . m., A TERRIFIC IMPACT [Pan United Press Association'.] PALMERSTON N., November 12. Four people were injured—two scriouslv—when a largo sedap car, owned by Mr E. F. A. Pink, of Palmerston North, which earlier bad been reported to the police as missing from Cuba street, ran into a stationary car outside Awahuri Hall at 10.30 last night. Both vehicles were extensively damaged. The moving car turned a complete somersault, and the occupants were pinned beneath. An outbreak of fire followed, and it was only the timely intervention of helpers that prevented a tragedy. Those injured are : H. Benge, an inspector, employed by the railways at Lower Hutt, fractured pelvis and shock; condition serious. Mrs Benge, lacerations to face and leg; condition fair. D, J. Steele, grader driver, employed by the Public Works Department, shock and lacerations to the jaw; fairly serious. T. Hannan, labourer, of Falmarston North, fractured jaw and nose, and shock; condition fair.. ■The Benges were visiting Awahuri to pay a call on people who live next Awa-' huri Hall. Finding them not at home, they were sitting in the car awaiting their arrival. Suddenly, without warning, a large car came sweeping around the corner, ran completely off the road on to loose metal, and struck the stationary vehicle on the driver’s side, smashing into it with terrific force. Continuing its career, the first car turned over and held its occupants captive beneath momentarily. Adding to their peril was an outbreak of fire, which fortunately was suppressed by those who came to their aid. The doors were forced open, the driver and his companion freed, and the injured taken to the hospital.