MANAWATU SALVAGE

Grey River Argus, 5 June 1943, Page 6

MANAWATU SALVAGE

Raising Span of Bridge

CONDITION OF INJURED. SATISFACTORY.

PALMERSTON N., June 4.

Under the direction of Mr. A. R. Acheson, Pubic Works Engineer, bull dozers and tractors on both sides of the river to-day, are being connected by wire ropes to the sunken structure in the endeavour to remove it and locate the sunken jeep, also Peacock’s car, and to enable a search to be made for the lorry presumed to be there. Wide inquiries so far, fail to reveal any lorry reported as missing. Assistance in the work is being given by military units. One bicycle was recovered, with the light still burning. The cause of the collapse is still a mystery, one theory is that a lorry loaded with vegetables skidded on the bridge sideways, the thrust causing the collapse of the structure, which may have been weakened by undermining. Meanwhile, all traffic has been diverted via Shannon. The name of the United States Marine who was with Marine Drews and a woman companion, is Private Roust. The United States Marine who was admitted to hospital here is Theodore Drews, who is suffering from a fractured leg and lacerations. His condition is satisfactory. Mrs. Peacock, who is. also in hospital, has lacerations to the right leg and head bruises Her condition is satisfactory.