SMASH AT GROSSING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19194, 7 December 1925, Page 8

SMASH AT GROSSING.

HEAD ON INTO ENGINE. ONE MAN KILLED OUTRIGHT. DRIVER SERIOUSLY INJURED. THE WARNING BELLS RINGING. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] WELLINGTON, Sunday. As the result of a collision of a motorcar with the Sonth-bound Wairarapa mail train at the Featherstoh crossing on Saturday afternoon, Mr. K. L. Matthews, of 28, Day Street, Petone, was killed outright and Mr. W. K. Matthews, of Renall Street, Masterton, builder, was seriously injured. The accident occurred- at five minutes past four, two minutes after the train had left Featherston Station on its way to Wellington. The scene was the Fitzherbert Street crossing, about 30 chains from the station. Mr. W. K. Matthews was driving the car, which struck the engine square on. The car was wrecked and the occupants were thrown into the air. Mr. K. L. Matthews, who was sitting next the driver, was hurled 15yds. or 20yds. When picked up he was lying clear of the line and across the signal wires. • He had received shocking injuries to his head and wa* dead. Mr. W. K. Matthews was thrown clear, falling on the grassy side of the track. He was found to be suffering from a broken arm, concussion and shock. He was conveyed to a private hospital at Featherston, where he is expected to recover. So far as can be ascertained the unfortunate men were father and son, the son being killed The train had been promptly brought to a standstill and the driver and passengers rendered all assistance possible. The crossing, which is a well known one, is dangerous, as the view is obscured, but it is equipped with warning bells, which were ringing Jit the time. It can only be conjectured that the victims of the accident did not hear them.