ESCAPE FROM DEATH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22046, 28 February 1935, Page 10

ESCAPE FROM DEATH

VAN COLLIDES WITH TRAIN SLIGHT INJURIES TO DRIVER [by telegraph OWN correspondent] PALMERSTON NORTH, Wednesday When approaching the Shannon railway station at 11.44 to-day, the Napier mail train came into collision with a delivery van, the property.of Messrs. Adams and Bevis, of Levin, which was driven by Mr. L. Palmer. The van had stalled on the Vance Street crossing. The driver was not aware of the approach of the express, and was endeavouring to restart the engine. The onrushing train struck the van and sent it hurtling, the body being torn from the chassis, while the woodwork of the vehicle was smashed to matchwood. The driver escaped serious injury in a miraculous manner, although he sustained a deep wound at the back of the head and an injury to the right hand. First aid was rendered by the stationmaster at Shannon, and Mr. Palmer was placed on the train and brought to the Palmerston North Hospital. A nurse, who was a passenger, attended Mr. Palmer on the trip. Passengers on the train stated that the enginedriver made a big effort to halt the train in time, but it \vas impossible. The van at the rear had just crossed the cattlestop when the train was brought to a standstill.