ALARMING COACH ACCIDENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9257, 20 July 1893, Page 5

ALARMING COACH ACCIDENT.

FALL OF 150 FEET.

PASSENGERS SERIOUSLY INJURED. [BY TELEGRAPH. association.] Wellington, Wednesday. The postal authorities have received information from Lyell (West Coast) of a serious accident which occurred to the mail coach running between Lyell and Reefton. The coach was driven by Jones, and had the following passengers Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell, Messrs. Burly and two sons, Glenny, Cummins, and Dixon. The vehicle left Lyell yesterday afternoon, and on reaching the Fed Jacket a portion of the bank gave way, letting down one of the hind wheels. The coach was precipitated on to the river bank, a distance of 150 feet, on to the edge of the Duller River. When the accident occurred, the kingbolt came out, and the driver escaped by being pulled over the front of the coach by the team. Jones then hastened to the nearest station for assistance and a conveyance.

No medical man was available, and a doctor was sent from West-port. Mr. Mitchell was knocked about the head ami face, and s .d hardly recognisable. He is partly insensible. Mrs. Mitchell's back was injured very seriously, and she has completely lost the use of her lege. Mr. Glenny had ft leg broken, and was much knocked abount. Dickson had a lear and an arm broken, and was a good deal knocked about. Cummins had a bruised arm, a sprained or broken hand, and a bad wound about the head. The Postal Department has wired for all assistance to be rendered to the sufferers. Latkr. The Government lias received the followin.: additional particulars : — The passengers were brought into Lyell at midnight. Everything possible is being done for the sufferers. No doctor is there, but Dr. Gaze, of Westport, was telegraphed for. The accident happened near the Red Jacket, about live miles north of Lyell. ; The road gave way, and let one hind wheel over the bank, causing the coach to capsize and roll over and over, with all the passengers. The driver, Jones, was pulled out on top of the road by the horses, and escaped. lir.KK'i'ON, Wednesday. All the- injured in the coach accident have been removed to Lvell, where they are beimj attended by Dr. Gage, of Westport. The coach is now at the bottom of the cliff in the river, and but. little damaged. Dr. Gage reports hopefully on the case of Mrs. Mitchell, who was tin most injured. The escape of the passe' ovrs from instant death is regarded as wonderful.