Car Falls 150 Feet Into River

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 204, 30 August 1938, Page 8

Car Falls 150 Feet Into River

Four Occupants Escape PULLED UP PRECIPICE BY MEANS OF ROPES Per Press Association. NELSON, Aug. 29. One ot the most miraculous escape] possible to imagine occurred In tht Buller Gorge yesterday afternooi when a party of Nelsonians who hac attended a football match in Westpor were returning. Their car was observed by a follow mg car containing the Nelson team U leave the road and disappear over e 130-foot precipice. By the time thespot was reached by the following car nothing was to be seen except the Buller river flowing at the foot of the precipice. The footballers stood spellbound, the only conclusion possible being that the car and occupants had disappeared under the water. After some breathless seconds e head and then the body of an occupant of the car appeared on the surface. followed shortly after by the other th.ee occupants. All managed to reach the ledge of rock. The steepness of the precipice prevented ‘ the footballers rendering any immediate assistance. A rope was secured from the Newton Flat Hotel, two miles away, and a rescue was effected, the four persons being pulled singly up a slope for 50 to 60 feet to a higher ledge, before being helped back on to the road. The occupants of the car were Mr A. J. Drummond,, Deputy-Superinten-dent of the Nelson Fire Brigade, the driver and owner of the car, Mrs Drummond, his wife, and Messrs Claude Wilkens and T. Donaldson. The latter could not swim, but was assisted to safety by Mr Wilkens. Mrs Drummond was a good swimmer. Mr Drummond states that he doe* not know how he reached the ledge, as he was rendered unconscious when the car was hurtling down the precipice. Apart from minor cuts and bruises none suffered serious injury.

The car, a small sedan, turned over a number of times down the precipice and fell into the Buller, which is 30 feet deep at this spot. The car has not been recovered. THREE HURT IN SMASH CAR TURNS OYER SEVERAL TIMES Per Press Association. CARTERTON, Aug. 29. 1 As a result of n midnight smash at Featherston on Saturday, three persona were admitted to the Greytown Hospital, two being in a serious condition. The car left the road and turned over several times. The injured are: MR. DANIEL McILVRIDE, of Trentham, head injuries; condition serious. MRS. JOYCE McILVRIDE, his wife, facial injuries and shock; condition fairly serious. MR. RICHARD CLEMENS, of Featherston, slight injuries. Mr Mcllvride regained consciousness and is progressing favourably. Tha others are in no danger..