REMARKABLE ESCAPE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 210, 3 August 1935, Page 12

REMARKABLE ESCAPE

SMASH AT CROSSING. HUSBAND ANdTvIFE UNHURT. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Aug. 2. Two people had a remarkable escape from serious injury when they were involved in a level crossing accident on the north line this morning. They were Mr and Airs Reuben Howie, of East Vale farm, Kumeu. Though the van in which they were travelling was completely wrecked, Air Howie was able to stand up and look for his wife, who, when found some distance away, was also not seriously hurt. Tho accident happened at the level crossing near the Taupala station. When the 6.30 a.m. mixed train from Alaungaturoto was just pulling out of the station tho van was caught right on tho lines. The injured couple were placed on the train and brought to hospital. Their condition is not serious.

“The amazing thing about it,” said the guard of the train, “was that as soon as the train had stopped the man was on his feet looking for his wife. That was his chief concern. Sho was nowhere to be seen and the wreckage itself was carried on to the cattle stops. I would not have given much for it. It was matchwood. Anyway, from the middle of it ill- Howie extricated his wile. “Of course, I do not know how seriously she was injured, but the miracle of it was that lie was not -killed outright. Mr Howie was more seriously injured than it .at first appeared. His escape was simply amazing.”

The van, which was loaded with crates of eggs, was carried only 12 feet by the engine before it was hurled with terrific force to the side of line, where it crashed into the ditch near the cattle stops. The van was wrecked and thousands of eggs were strewn in a sticky mess. The train was stopped in less than its own length.