LEVEL CROSSING SMASH.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13168, 29 January 1936, Page 5

LEVEL CROSSING SMASH.

LORRY DRIVER’S DEATH. TWO CHILDREN HURT. Electric Telegraph-—Press Association GORE, East Night. jk As the result of a collision at the \Pukerau railway crossing between a motor-lorry and the north express at 8.30 this morning one person is ,<lead and two injured. The victims were: Percy Aliller, of Pukerau, a farm hand, aged 26, married, killed. May Hoffman, aged 12, daughter of Mr and Mrs John Hoffman, East Gore, both legs broken. Lewis Hoffman, aged 7, head injuries, not serious. Marylyn Millar, aged 2, a daughter of -Percy Millar, had a miraculous escape. Millar, who was employed by Stanley Edwards, farmer, of Pukerau, was driving the lorry with cream to the Pukerau dairy factory. He was accompanied by his daughter Marylyn and Lewis and May Hoffman, his nephew and niece. Visibility at the crossing was bad, and Millar apparently failed to see the train, which does not stop at Pukerau. The impact was terrific, a lid the lorry was smashed to pulp. .The occupants were thrown into the cattle-stop. Passers-by assisted to extricate the people, and medical aid was summoned. Millar, who was seriously injured, died on the way to hospital. May and Lewis Hoffman were admitted to hospital. The deceased was a well-known resident of Pukerau, and a member of the football club and cricket club. The express was delayed for twenty-five minutes. \o damage was done to the train.