RUNAWAY ROLLER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25135, 28 January 1943, Page 4

RUNAWAY ROLLER

HE DRIVER KILLED ARMY OFFICER’S BRAVERY EXTRICATION OF VICTIM One of the Dunedin City Corporation’s 15-ton Aveling and Porter steam rollers became out of control in York place shortly before 4.50 p.m. yesterday, and capsized on the tram lines at the intersection of York place, Stuart and Albert streets. The driver, the only person on the vehicle, was pinned underneath. He received terrible injuries, and died shortly after being extricated in a very gallant manner by a returned army officer. The victim was:—

Mr John Smith, a City Council employee, aged 58, married, of 8 Islington street, North-East Valley. The roller was returning from Roslyn to the City Corporation’s yards, and it is surmised that it got out of control shortly after it turned into York place. From the marks on the bitumen surface, it would appear that the wheels were locked before the vehicle reached the intersection, and it is assumed that the driver made an unsuccessful effort to turn the vehicle uphill into Albert street when he reached the intersection. Capsize on Tram Lines For some distance in its headlong flight the roller was travelling on its wrong side, as was shown by the marks on’ the bitumen surface, and this supports the theory that the driver tried to turn up Albert street in the expectation that he could bring it under control on the steep grade. What happened then is a matter of conjecture, but it is thought that the pressure proved too much for the front axle, and the vehicle, going at high speed, veered on one side at an alarming angle. It failed to take the corner, and capsized across the tram lines. , . It was extremely fortunate that the intersection, which at this time of the afternoon is usually a busy one, was clear of all traffic, particularly tram traffic. The cable service was suspended for some time until the obstruction was removed by the City Corporation’s powerful patrol graders. The wrecked vehicle was removed in sections by a number of council employees, who worked throughout the night.

Like Runaway Tank

An eye-witness of the accident gave a vivid description to a Daily Times reporter. “It was a frightening experience,” she said. “ I saw the steam roller tearing down York place like a runaway tank. Great jets of steam almost hid it from view, and the spectacle was made the more awesome by the fact that large red-hot cinders were being shot out from the fire-box. “ When the roller reached the Stuart street intersection it swerved as if the driver, in one last desperate effort, tried to turn' it uphill into Albert street. Then there was a terrific crash, and bits of the roller seemed to fly everywhere. There was a great volume of steam and some flames. Two other people ran to ring for the ambulance and the Fire Brigade. I saw the unfortunate driver underneath.” A Gallant Action

The same eye-witness said that a returned army officer rushed to the assistance of the driver, who was pinned underneath the wrecked vehicle. "It was a wonderfully gallant action,” she said, “as the escaping steam and the heat from the firebox could be felt some distance away. But the officer, showing the greatest bravery and supreme presence of mind, seized the man and got him clear, though it could be seen that he was shockingly burned.

“ Both sleeves of the officer’s coat were blackened to the elbows, and, though he suffered severe burns, he appeared to treat his injuries lightly. He explanied that he was used to that sort of thing, but, looking at it from the point of view of' a mere civilian, it was a real act of heroism, and I certainly think the officer is entitled to some recognition for his courageous action.”

The inquest will be opened at 9.30 a.m. to-day at the City Morgue.