TRAIN CRASHES INTO MOTOR VAN

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6536, 18 February 1928, Page 8

TRAIN CRASHES INTO MOTOR VAN

Woman Killed Instantly Husband Seriously Hurt SHOCKING TRAGEDY NEAR LEVIN (“Times" Special.) * , WELLINGTON, Last Night - A distressing fatality occurred Just after mid-day to-day at the crossing of M'Leavey Boad and the Main Trunk- railway line, about two aid jirhalf miles south of Levin, by which Mrs. H. W. Eyes lost her life, and her husband was seriously injured. The point where the accident occurred is u particularly dangerous one, M'Leavey road approaches the line from the east, tajees a right-angle turn to the right, running for eight or,ten chains parallel with the lino and then crosses on a slight down grade. The view of the line is obscured for the greater part of the eight or ten chains by a high cutting, and the track runs downhill to the crossing, so that trains usually come down to it with steam shut off. Just after mid-day, Mr. Eyes was engaged in delivering - bread on the ’eastern side of the line, and was accompanied by Mrs. Eyes, who occupied the other seat on the front of the'van. He had just left Mr. Mullins’ residence on M'Leavey road, about ten to fifteen chains from the scene of the accident, and was proceeding to cross the line to the western side when he encountered the up-bound New Plymouth express at the crossing at 12.13 pm. Even if a motolvvehicle is travelling - at a moderate speed it is practically an impossibility to pull up in the short distance between the final turn toward the railway and the line itself. Whatever the cause, the on-coming train struck the delivery van with terrific impact, completely wrecking it. The engine-driver exorcised great promptitude in pulling the train up, stopping within its own length on a down grade. It was found Mr. Eyes had boon carried along about three chains peat the crossing, and he was unconscious, evidently severely injured. Mrs. Eyes was picked up a yard or two over the cattle atop. Among the passengers on the train was Dr. T. H. A. Valintine, DirectorGeneral of Health, .and ho and br. Hunter, of Levin, who was passing and arrived within a few minutes, made' s, hurried examination, finding that-in Mrs. Eyes’ case life was extjnct, and that her husband was injured about the head and: shoulders. Both were placed in the van of the train, tho body of the deceased lady being brought to Levin, while Mr. Eyes was <"**•’veyed to the Palmerston North Hoo pital.

The scone of the tragic occurrence bears mute testimony to the shattering nature of the collision. Pieces of the van and its load of bread are scattered up the line for a considerable distance, the under-carriage and engine being carried about four chains past, the. crossing. It is evident from the position 'of the wreckage that the van was right on the line and that the engine struck it fairly in the centre, smashing all the wooden portion to small pieces. Mrs. Eyes would be sitting cn .the side which received the full force of the impact and was thrown just over, the cattle stop. The iron frame and under structure, of the van was carried on the cow catcher. Mr. Eyes was apparently caught in the wreckage on the cow catcher and fell off when the train was nearly stopped. THE LATE MRS. EYES. The late Mrs. Eyes was a daughter of Mrs. C. Thorpe, of Marlborough, and was married at Rye l Valley in 1912. For some years their residence was at Ihnkara, where Mr. 3Byes was engaged in farming. About 18 months ago the farm was disposed of, and Mr. Eyes, in partnership with Mr. Scott, took over the Arcadia Bakery. The family have from that time resided in Durham street. Mrs. Eyes was a woman of s cheerful disposition and sterling worth, and was held in high esteem by all with whom she came in contact. Three children, Keeblo aged 13, Olwyn 7. and Gwen 3, are left to mourn their loss.

PATIENT IN LOW CONDITION. Apparently Mr. Eyes’ injuries were much more serious than was anticipated at the examination made at Levin. Enquiries made last evening from the hospital, elicited the information that the patient was in a very low condition.