Petrol-Tank Explodes

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 390, 26 June 1928, Page 16

Petrol-Tank Explodes

CYCLIST KILLED CRASHED INTO TRUCK DAZZLED BY RISING SUN (Special to THE SUN) CHRISTCHURCH, Monday. About eight o’clock this morning, when George Jonathan Pine, aged 19, was riding into Christchurch on the Main South Road, the sun momentarily blinded him and he crashed into a motor-truck. The petrol tank of the cycle burst and Pine, his motor-cycle and the truck were surrounded by flames. When the crash occurred the truck was being driven out of a yard. It had reached the crest of the road, when Pine, blinded by the rising sun, drove right into the bonnet. The front wheel and forks of the motor-cycle were wedged in between the right front wheel and the bonnet of the big truck. Pine was hurled against the truck, and his body became wedged in between the crumped wing and the bonnet. Simultaneously the petrol spurted from the motor-cycle tank. In a flash the cycle, Pine and the truck bonnet were enveloped in flame and smoke. Four or five men rushed from Bowman’s yard, and Pine was saved from incineration at great risk to his rescuers. Chemicals were applied to the burning vehicles and also to the blazing petrol on the roadway. The motorcycle was smashed beyond repair, and a wing of the truck was crushed. The windscreen was broken and the bonnet and a tyre were badly burned. The ambulance was soon on the scene and Pine was removed to the Christchurch Hospital, but he died about mid-day. The driver of the truck was R. Giles, an employee of Mr. W. J. Bowman, an engineer. Pine is a son of Mr. G. J. Pine, the well-known Sockburn trainer.