EXPRESS STRIKES LIGHT CAR

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 3280, 25 February 1926, Page 10

EXPRESS STRIKES LIGHT CAR

OCCUPANT’S RCM ARK ABLE ESCAPE.

Struck by the fast-travelling southbound Auckland express at the Napier I road railway crossing at Terrace End yesterday morning, a two-seater motor-car, driven by Mr. T. Richard- * son, tad the portion behind the seat completely torn away by the force of ! the impact. Mr. Richarffson, who was the only occupant, was not injured Thu car whs hauled right about, I finishing up facing the Napier road side of the line. The back portion of the car, from within but a few inches of the driver's seat, was smashed and twisted hopelessly beyond repair. The rear wheels were destroy *d and all the tyres, with the exception of one [in front, were burst and torn off the rims. The machine was virtually cut in two, but it is singular that the only damage suffered to the fore part was one displaced tyre and a triangle of splintered glass in the windscreen. According to Mr. Richardson’s account, he was proceeding from town along the left-hand side of Main street and when he approached the crossing near the 'bus shelter, which leads on to the Napier road, his view of the line was obscured by a Borough ’bus which was drawn up there. It appeared to him that the 'bus was about to cross the railway line and. thinking the road clear, he ranged up alongside it. The incoming express was thundering along only a few yards* away. Realising that to attempt to stop would result in his car being struck full on, Mr. Richardson opened the throttle wide in an endeavour to clear the line. Then the engine struck the car just behind the hood.

Mr. Richardson added that he was not clear what happened next, but that he ( was uninjured and thought he climbed out of the wrecked car. Truly a miraculous escape!