CRASH IN GORGE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22623, 28 April 1948, Page 4

CRASH IN GORGE

BUS IN COLLISION SIX MAORIS INJURED (S.R.) OPOTIKI, April 27. Six members of a party of Maoris from the Mohaka district suffered injuries in a collision between the roadbus in which they were travelling and a Works Department truck at a point in the Waioeka Gorge about 10 miles from Opotiki, late on Monday morning. The injured were:— Mr. Ripeka Karene. aged 64, Raupunga, injuries to mouth. Mr. Hori Joe, aged 66, Mohaka, scalp Injuries. Mrs. Josephine Ropatini, aged 30, Raupunga, facial abrasions. Mrs. Kate Paul, aged 53, Mohaka, slight leg injuries. Mrs. Notl Wainohu, aged 54, Mohaka, slight facial injuries. Mr. Mlhaka Tumatoroa, aged 66, Mohaka, facial injuries. The party was returning to Mohaka from Rotorua, via Opotiki. and was driven in a Railways Department roadbus by Mr. George McLachlan. At a bend near Mr. W. Pratt’s farm in the Waioeka Gorge the bus came into collision with a truck driven by Mr. Reginald Wilkins, the truck striking the bus near the driver’s seat and causing extensive damage. Mr. McLachlan had a narrow escape from injury, being jammed in his seat and later being extricated with some difficulty, though uninjured. Passengers in the bus were thrown violently against the backs of seats in front of them. Assistance was secured from Opotiki, and Dr. C. S. James gave first-aid on the scene of the accident. the injured persons with other members of the party being able to continue their journey later in another vehicle. The driver of the Works Department truck was uninjured. Mrs. Ripeka Karena was later admitted to hospital in Gisborne for treatment. She was discharged yesterday morning and later continued her jour•jey to Raupunga. .- -