RAILWAY ACCIDENT

Hokitika Guardian, 15 June 1931, Page 2

RAILWAY ACCIDENT

runanga station master. LOSES LEFT LEG. A serious accident helcll .Mr J*elnival F. 11. Chambers, Statii minister at Run an ga. on Saturday al'terJiooii. whereby he had the misloiduuc to lose his lel t leg. 3he occasion of the

regrettable, mishap was tho passing through Runanga of a mixed train, enroute from Dunollie to Groymouth at 2.6 p.m. and it cccuvrcd when the tablets were being exchanged. Mr Chambers had handed the tablet to the loco man. and was running with the train to receive the exchange tablet from tha fireman, wnen at the place where the platform gradually tapers, he Hipped between the platform and the line, his left leg going across the rail. On hearing a woman cry, the engine driver puked u>> the train instantly. It was a fortunate circumstance that behind the engine there was a rake of coal trucks, as had there been carriages, the consequences might have been fatal.

ft was found that the leg was practically severed between the ankle and the knee. The sufferer, who bore up well, after the accident, was brought to Oreymuui.li immediately, and conveyed to the Hospital. He then underwent an operation, and the leg was amputated, another operation being yeterdav carried out and the result, being entirely succcs ful. Although affected somewhat by shock, the patient’s condition was last night reported to be qnitre satisfactory. Mr Chambers, who is 38 years of age, and is married, with four children, has been for the past four years in the position of Stationmastcr at Runanga. to which office he was appointed from Canterbury about three and a-lialf rears ago.