CAR’S DROP INTO RIVER; WOMAN DROWNED

Northern Advocate, 31 March 1937, Page 10

CAR’S DROP INTO RIVER; WOMAN DROWNED

Husband Escapes, But Fails In Rescue Effort (Per Press Association. Copyright .] NEW PLYMOUTH, This Day. - When a sedan car plunged over a 30-foot bank into the Awakino River yesterday, Mrs. Ida Dingle, aged 47, of Tauwhare, Waikato, was drowned. Her husband,,?'Mr. Percy Dingle, driver of the car, had a fortunate escape with shock and cuts from broken glass. At a narrow bend in the gorge, Mr. and Mrs. Dingle, who were returning from Wanganui, met another car, and had insufficient room, their car crashing over the bank into the Awakino River, and landing on Its wheels in 12 feet of swiftly flowing water.

Mr. Dingle kicked a window out of the car, and crawled through. He attempted to drag out his wife, who was unconscious, but was washed off the running-board. He made his way back to the car, but Mrs. Dingle had then disappeared. - Mr. Dingle called assistance, and, although injured, he assisted the police in the search and dragging of the river until nightfall, but the body was not recovered. The car met by Mr. and Mrs. Dingle did not stop. The driver might not. have been aware of the accident. Besides two sons at the Wanganui Collegiate School, Mr. Dingle has a son aged 11 at home.