SHOCKING ACCIDENT.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 3 December 1929, Page 5

SHOCKING ACCIDENT.

CAR-LOAD OF CHILDREN STRUCK AT LEVEL CROSSING. TWO IN SERIOUS CONDITION. (Br Telegraph—Press Association.) ASHBURTON, This Day'. # The most serious level-erossing acci--dent for some time occurred last evening, resulting in the hospitalling of the following:— Alan Cookson, aged 16; head injuries, broken collarbone, and internal injuries. Kenneth Cookson, aged five, brother of Alan; broken leg, and severe *hoek. Reginald Finlay, aged seven; broken thigh, and head injuries. Alan Cookson was driving a ear, which also contained Muriel Finlay, aged five. It was struck by an incoming train at an angle, in the rear, being carried 30 yards. Alan was pinned under the car,' and was released with difficulty. Jack Cookson was thrown into a fairly deep stream, being carried through a culvert about two chains long, and managing to crawl out on to a lawn. The Finlays were thrown clear, the girl escaping with a few cuts and bruisos. * Alan Cookson and Reginald Finlay are in a serious condition. The Cooksons are sons of Mr P. Cookson, of Grey Street. The Finlays' father is Mr J. Finlay", of Aitk«n Street. The car, which is owned by Mr Cookson, is a total wreck. LATER. Both tho Cookaons were seriously hurt, but their condition is satisfactory. It transpires that Alan Cookson tried to reverse when he saw the train, but was over the lino before he performed the manoeuvre.