MOTOR-CAR WRECKED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22130, 8 June 1935, Page 12

MOTOR-CAR WRECKED

CRASH FROM A BRIDGE ONE CHINESE KILLED TWO SERIOUSLY INJURED ESCAPE OF FOUR CHILDREN [BY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] GERALDINE, Friday A spectacular accident occurred near Geraldine in the early hours of this morning when a sedan car containing seven Chinese crashed through the solid superstructure of the Rangitata traffic bridge at Arundel and somersaulted 16ft. to the river bed below, where it became a tangled mass of shattered debris. One of the occupants was killed and others injured. Details of the victims are:— Killed Willie Young, a middle-aged fruiterer, of Timaru, who was at the wheel. Seriously Injured Mrs. Young, wife of Willie Young, serious head injuries. Removed to the Timaru Hospital in an unconscious condition. Herbert Young, a nephew, aged about 30, head and back injuries. Four children had a miraculous escape, suffering only shock and bruises. Railing Torn Away Jt appears that Mr. Young and party were returning from a business trip to Christchurch and some time between three and five o'clock this morning the car got out of control when crossing the bridge, which is over a quarter of a mile long. At the southern end it left the 10ft. wide running board and mounted the side guard, along which it ran for 23 yards, and eventually tore through and carried away 19 yards of heavy railing. It then crashed to the riverbed below, where it overturned — a complete wreck. Mr. Young was killed when a heavy wooden beam tore through the car during the crash and inflicted head injuries. Discovery Made by Doctor Discovery of the accident was made at about six o'clock by Dr. R. G. Shacketon, of Waimate, whose suspicions were aroused by the broken railing. On stopping his car, in which he was travelling to Christchurch, he heard from below thg cries of the infant, who had escaped without a scratch. The dead driver and the injured woman were released from the wreck before the arrival of the ambulance. The injured were then taken to the Timaru Hospital. Mr. Young leaves a family of nine children, ranging in age from one to 20.