ACCIDENT AT WAHAROA.

Matamata Record, Volume X, Issue 876, 14 November 1927, Page 5

ACCIDENT AT WAHAROA.

LORRY RUNS INTO TRAIN. ] Lucky Escape of Driver. r f .A remarkable escape from more injury was experienced by Mr. P.: Cameron,. who is employed as ' sharemilker. by Messrs. Costall •Bros., of Wardville, when the motor struck driven, by .him was smashed ijjpon tile level crossing at the Waha r xoa butter factory on Friday morning. Mr. Cameron was approaching the factory and apparently failed to notice the approach of the morning passenger train from Frankton Junction. At this point the road and railway run parallel for a considerable distance, and the lorry apparently struck the engine of the train Just behind the cowcatcher. Mr. was carried over the cattlestops and was found lying beside the track, whereas his lorry was hurled back from the line but did not cross 'the cattlestops, probably being prec yented by its heavy load of 10 cans of milk, which were thrown in all directions.

The driver of the truck was found v-to have suffered cuts about the head and face and severe bruises but no serious injuries. His escape under the circumstances was miraculous. Mr. Cameron was rendered first aid by a lady passenger upon the train, which was stopped in its own length. A first-aid outfit is held in the butter factory nearby, and this proved very helpful. The injured man was taken aboard the train and conveyed to Matamata for medical attention. As the result of the mishap the engine ,of the train was somewhat disabled and unable to develop the necessary power, to take the train beyond Matamata. A relief engine was secured from Morrinsville and th© disabled one returned later to that depot. The lorry was considerably damaged about the fore-carriage and cab, while its load of cans -was practically all damaged beyond repair.