JUMPED THE WRONG WAY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 61, 17 March 1913, Page 6

JUMPED THE WRONG WAY.

MIRACULOUS ESCAPE OF PICNICKERS.

(Received 9.20 a.m.)

Melbourne, March 17

A drag containing twenty-two passengers had a miraculous escape at a level crossing on the Brighton railway on Saturday night. The drag was on the metals when the train was approaching, and-the gates being half open prevented the driver of the drag manoeuvring the horses straight across. He hurriedly decided to attempt to escape by driving the team along the line towards Brighton. 'I he horses responded well, and moved in the direction of safety.

Before the passengers realised the danger, the drag was almost clear of the lino when the train dashed up and struck the. rear corner knocking olf the near hind wheel and Retiring out the- side, leaving the passengers still sitting in the seat along side. James Neil Allison jumped off the drag in the - wrong direction and was killed instantly. The passengers of the train alighted and swarmed* along the line searching for possible victims. The train from Brighton came along, ■ and another disaster seemed imminent, but, fortunately, the driver took warning from the lights carried by the searchers, and pulled up the train just ■ clear of the damaged drag.