WOMAN KILLED ON LEVEL CROSSING.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 19 June 1936, Page 7

WOMAN KILLED ON LEVEL CROSSING.

CAR STOPS ON RAILS (By Telegraoh— Press Association.) GORE, Last Night. A crossing accident resulting in the death of a married woman, Mrs John Shaw, of Balfour, and injuries to two women and two men passengers from Balfour, occurred shortly after noon when a goods train on the Tapanui branch line, travelling to Waipahi, struck a sedan car at a crossing on the main road a quarter of a mile north of Waipahi township. The car was proceeding north and the visibility was bad owing to heavy snow falling. The car was carried a chain and a-half before being thrown aside. Later particulars show that Mrs Shaw was driving the car, and the other occupants were John Shaw, farmer of Balfour, husband of deceased; lan Claude Butler, a farmhand of Ardlussa; his mother, Mrs Rose Butler, and his sister, Miss Hilda Mary Christine Butler, all of Balfour. The car was proceeding to Dunedin. It is believed Mrs Shaw heard the train whistle but did not know from what direction it was coming. The visibility was bad, due to trees and heavy flakes of snow. The driver applied the brakes and the car stopped on the rails. It was hit in the centre and the force of the impact caused the door on the driver's side to fly open. Airs Shaw was flung out, landing on her head ’on the cattle stop. Death was instantaneous. The other occupants had miraculous escapes as they were imprisoned in the car, which was carried a considerable distance and then thrown clear, landing on its side. The injuries to the other occupants were merely oruises and shock. The deceased lady was 45 years of age and was born at Oamaru. She was married some twelve months ago.