CAR’S NARROW ESCAPE

Patea Mail, Volume LI, 25 July 1930, Page 4

CAR’S NARROW ESCAPE

WRONG- TURN AT RUGBY ROAD. Failing- to take the sharp turn in tlic Mountain Road at the notorious Rugby Road railway crossing near Tark'i, when on his way to New Plymouth on Tuesday night Mr. Leys, of Wellington. and his car sped on to the cattle stop, when the car turned upside down. It remained stationary on its hood with its four wheels in the air and the driver imprisoned inside. Vainly Mr. Leys kinked at the doors in an endeavour to open them, but fortunately his predicament was noticed by some men in the nearby factory, and they hastened to his aid. Tugging and pulling they released Mr. Leys- from his temporary prison and moved the car to the side of the railway line. Five /minutes affter they had completed this task the train rushed hw.

Mr. Leys was rather severely cut about the head, and had to have his wounds stitched. A.' - er being attended to he went to New Plymouth and the car was subsequently towed to its destination. The top of the hood is practically torn right away and the right side is badly smashed. Both doors on the right side are broken off and all the windows are broken, the frame itself being - badly bent. The reair bumper is bent well inwards and the back axle is bent, while the left running board is buckled and between the rim and tyre on each wheel • a plentiful supply of long grass is securely jammed. The damage indicates fairly clearly that the ear in turning over was severely struck on the right side and apparently skidded for some distance on the hood before coming to rest.