BUS FATALITY INQUEST

Hokitika Guardian, 22 November 1927, Page 3

BUS FATALITY INQUEST

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, Nov. 21

Other evidence -showed that the bus travelled for 108 feet, between the leaving the bitumen track and colliding with the pole, and 48 loot after the impact. .Mrs E. Cousins, a passenger in the, bus, said that no complaints could ho made of the driving and the driver neither talked to the passengers nor smoked.

Airs M. P. Ilondor-on said that just before the accident the driver stooped down to pick up a roll of tickets that had fallen. Her .statement, however. was uncorroborated. Motor mechanics gave evidence of having examined the bus and found the steering gear in good order. Patrol Constable Morrison said there were no signs of the brakes having been applied between the time of leaving the bitumen and striking the post. The driver, when spoken to after the accident was perfectly normal. and said the wheel slipped out of his hand. He did not complain about having had any illness. John O’Callnghnn. driver of the Inis, said he could give no explanation of how the smash occurred. He Tiad held u license to drive since September -192 G. hut in May last went into a sanatorium for ten weeks, and resumed work on October Lilli. three days before the accident. He would take turns in the head for a second or two, but would not faint. Before the smash he was all right. He did not know that the bus had left the bitumen. Concerning his head turns, a doctor had told him they were caused by fluid in the lungs. Witness said his eyesight was good. He had never told his employers about the head

Medical evidence was given that oil Lite day in question O’Callaghan was not physically fit to he driving the Inis, as he was subject to turns which would last for a few seconds.

The Coroner (Mr W. G. Riddell) delivered an open verdict. Had medical evidence not shown that O’CaTiaghan was subject to turns, it looked as if the bus had been negligently driven. The accident was most extraordinary. Mr Riddell found that deceased died as the result of injuries received through a bus in which she was riding, driven bv John O’Callnghnn, coming into collision with a telegraph post, on the Hutt Road on October 17th. The question as to whether the driver was guilty, of negligence can bo texted in another place, he said.

IN'QUKST PROCEEDIXGS. PALMERSTON X., Nov. 22.

An enquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Esther Ann MRcliell, wife of A. Mitchell, of Newbury, who passed away at the Palmerston North hospital oil November 10th, consequent on serious injuries sustained when the car, her husband was driving collided with a Public Works train on the Rangitikei line, was conducted before Mr Graham, Coroner, to-day. Medical evidence was given that, Mitchell w pie u examined after the accident was suffering from the after effects of alcohol, one witness saying he would have lieen still prepared to have driven with him and another that ho would have done so on a straight road. When Mitchell was called to the witness box his counsel asked the Coroner to warn him that ho need not answer any questions that might incriminate him. Possibly a (lunge was pending. After his counsel had objected to a police question, the objections were upheld by the Coroner and Mitchell left the box. Evidence was given by two Pit 'he Works employees that Mitchell, after the accident was in an excited, distressed condition, but did not smell of liquor, one witness saving be would contradict tbe statements of other witnesses that Mitchell showed signs of

liquor. Further evidence was "icon hy iuou on the train, tho driver of which said he did not see anyone come out of the car. If ho had, ho would have stopped much quicker. Asked if Afrs Alitchell would not have been injured if ho had pulled up lie said he did not know. Other witnesses stated Alitchell had a clear view of the line for a distance of five chains. The inquest was not concluded when the luncheon adjournment was taken.