WOMAN KILLED

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 7, 7 December 1936, Page 6

WOMAN KILLED

LEVEL CROSSING SMASH. HUSBAND IN HOSPITALBeing practically impaled on the end of an iron guard rail, Mrs Miriam Emma Pawson, aged 42, of Raumati, Dannevirke, met a shocking in a smash which occurred at the West Street level crossing, Palmerston North, at 12.50 p.m. yesterday, when a large sedan car was struck by the second excursion train arriving in Palmerston North from Wellington. The tragedy was the second which had occurred in the past two years at the crossing, which has taken toll of several lives, the last accident having occurred under similar circumstances in the middle of the day. . . Accompanied by his wile (the victim) and their two young children, Mr L. E. Pawson was proceeding to 1 oxton Beach when the fatality occurred. His car was negotiating the crossing from Main Street into 1 oxton Line when it was struck on the right-hand side, towards the front, by the heavy K locomotive which wrecked almost every part of the vehicle but the pack portion, which was occupied by the two children. There was a crash, a wheel went hurtling through the air, the car was slewed round by the impact, and carried into the end of the fence at the roadside, demolishing the wooden rails. Mrs Pawson was found lying partly on the running board of the vehicle, with her head badly injured by the projecting end of a guard rail in the ience. Death had been instantaneous. Miraculous escapes trom serious injury were experienced by the other occupants. Though lie was on the side of the vehicle that was struck by the engine, Mr Pawson was catapulted out on to the roadway by the impact. He was found lying on the roadside in the middle of the- crossing, endeavouring to get uo, but he could not, being injured. He was removed to the Hospital suffering from an injured back, injuries to the scalp and right hand, iiis condition to-day being reported to be satisfactory. Both the children were lifted out of the back of the car. Margaret, aged 2f years, was unhurt, but Bruce, aged 5 suffered minoi injuries consisting of a cut on the head and an injured finger. It was reported from the Hospital to-day that his condition was comfortable.