SERIOUS CROSSING SMASH

Hokitika Guardian, 3 December 1929, Page 5

SERIOUS CROSSING SMASH

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

ASHBURTON. Dee. 3

I lie most serious level crossing accident lor some time occurred last evening resulting m the ho-pitailing ol Alan C'ooksoo. a {ted 16. with head injuries, broken collarbone and internal injuries: .Jack Cookson. s ,«rc-<| 9, brother of Alan, broken lee; and severe shock; and Reginald k inlay, aged ~ broken thigh and head injuries.

Alan Cookson was driving tin* car which also contained Aluricd Finlay, aged 6, when it was struck by an incoming tram at an angle in the rear, being carried thirty yards. Alan was pinned under the car and was released with difficulty. Jack was thrown into a inirl.v deep stream being carried through a culvert about, two chains long managing to crawl out on to a lawn. The Finlays were thrown clear, the girl escaping with cuts and bruise*.

Alan Cookson and Ileg. Finlay are in a serious condition!.

The Cooksons are the sons of P. Cookson, of Grey Street, and the Pinlay.4 father is P. Finlay, of Aitkcn Street. The car was owned by Cookson and is a total wreck.

ASHBURTON, Dec. 3,

The accident happened to a younger Cookson named Kenneth, aged o, not Jack. Botli Cooksons were seriously hurt but their condition is satisfactory. It transpires that Cookson tried to reverse when he saw the train but was over the line before he performed the manoeuvre.