Two Killed When Car Crashes Into Valley

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 805, 28 October 1929, Page 1

Two Killed When Car Crashes Into Valley

THREE OTHERS HURT 300 FT PLUNGE TO DEATH Press Association WELLINGTON, Today. A man and his wife were killed and three other persons were injured when the motor-car in which they were driving up the Whiteman’s Valley Road went over a bank and crashed down a steep hillside into the gully below, about four o'clock yesterday afternoon. The victims were: Killed: Edward James Elton, a plumber, and his wife, Margaret Craig Elton. Injured: Leonard Frank Barton, a traveller; Alexa Margaret Barton, married; and Lexy Elton, aged five years, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elton. Mrs. Elton was Mr. and Mrs. Barton’s daughter. The accident occurred at a sharp bend at the summit of the Whiteman’s Valley Road, about five miles from Silverstream. Mr. Barton was at the wheel, the car going over the bank when about to pass another car coming round the bend from the opposite direction. Mr. and Mrs. Barton and the child were thrown out about half-way down the hill, the two deceased being thrown clear about 50ft farther on. Mr. Elton was killed outright by head injuries and shock, while his wife died 20 minutes after the accident from a fracture of the spine and head injuries. Lacerated wounds were suffered by Mr. Barton and Mrs. Barton escaped with a fractured ankle. The little girl, Lexy, received medical attention and was later sent to hospital.