CAR FALLS OVER BANK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18641, 23 February 1924, Page 8

CAR FALLS OVER BANK.

ACCIDENT ON RIMUTAKA. OCCUPANTS' LUCKY ESCAPE. LADY SLIGHTLY INJURED. CAR SEVERELY DAMAGED. [BY TELEGBAFH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] WELLINGTON. Friday. While two motor vehicles were passing each other on the higher slopes of the Rimutaka Hill road last evening, a highpowered touring Buick car went over the bank, and the two occupants—one of them a lady—had a narrow escape from being killed. On approaching the summit of the Rimutaka Hill road, near Mungaroa, the car, which was proceeding to Masterton, met a Ford motor-truck travelling toward Wellington. The car drew outwards, but there was apparently not sufficient, room to pass, and it went over the bank, and rolled over until it was caught by a clump of bushes that prevented its falling a considerable distance below. The driver of the car was thrown clear, and escaped with some bruises. The lady passenger was slightly pinned at the first impact, and sustained severe bruises and lacerations to one of her legs near the knee. Her injuries were attended to immediately, and she was conveyed to her home. . The car, which was a powerful touring Buick model, almost new and in perfect running order, was severely damaged. The hood and windscreen were completely smashed, while the mudguards were torn off and the engine put out of commission. With considerable difficulty the car was recovered to-day. It- had been miraculously caught by the clump of bushes. 'A block and tackle were "rigged" to a gum tree at the side of the road, and the car was towed to Wellington.