TRAGIC ACCIDENT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21617, 9 October 1933, Page 9

TRAGIC ACCIDENT

CAR HITS CROWD THREE DEATHS RESULT 27 PEOPLE INJURED LONDON SENSATION OUTSIDE THE PALACE By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received October 8, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON. Oct. 7 A tragic accident occurred to-day opposite Buckingham Palace, on Constitution Hill, during the changing of the guard. ' A motor-car was descending the incline when it swerved toward the footpath, broke a lamp post and plunged into a crowd of people, scattering them in all directions. Three persons were so gravely injured that they died. In all there were 27 cases of injury. A sentry had a very narrow escape from a hurtling portion of the lamp post. The band instantly ceased piajv ing. His Majesty sent an equerry to the hospital to inquire about the injured. It ova I Air Force aircraftsmen who were sight-seeing in London were the chief sufferers. The three who died included ojie whose feet were so badly crushed that a doctor amputated them on the pavement with a pair of scissors. Two others were injured seriously and another doctor administered morphia to them. Eye-witnesses express the opinion that the car swerved to avoid a youth who was stepping off the footpath, after which the steering gear failed. The scene was like a dressing station with policemen rolling their tunics into makeshift pillows for the injured. The ceremony of changing the guard was not stopped and the band resumed playing after a few minutes.

The sentry who was knocked clown by the falling lamp post immediately arose, grasped his rifle and stood to attention.