TIMBER LORRY GOES OVER BANK: DRIVER INJURED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23270, 3 June 1950, Page 6

TIMBER LORRY GOES OVER BANK: DRIVER INJURED

An articulated timber truck with a substantial load of timber went over the bank on Otoko Hill last night. The driver, who was injured, was picked up by a passing motorist and admitted to the Cook Hospital early this morning. He was:—

Mr. Allan Wootton, aged 21, of 181 Fox Street, Gisborne. Mr. Wootton received cuts and bruises to a leg. The hospital authorities said this morning that his condition was fairly comfortable. The truck, one of the fleet of Mr. Ron Smith’s, timber merchant, Opotiki, was bringing a load of about 4600 ft. of timber from Opotiki to Gisborne. It is believed that the vehicle was delayed in the Waioeka Gorge and that the accident occurred about half-way down Otoko Hill at about 10.30 p.m.. Mr. Wootton was discovered by a motorist at 11.30 p.m. and brought to the hospital. Mr Wootton was the only occupant of the vehicle. The extent of the damage to the truck is not yet known. About a week ago a similar accident occurred near the top of the hill when an early model sedan car dropped about 30ft. over the bank and was extensively damaged. . The driver, Mr. Rangi Tuaiti, Matawai, escaped unhurt, but a passenger, Mr Friday Haenga, Ruatoria, suffered slight injuries. The accident occurred at 8.30 o'clock in the evening.