LORRY BURSTS INTO FLAMES

Taranaki Daily News, 15 January 1931, Page 5

LORRY BURSTS INTO FLAMES

MAORIS JUMP TO ROAD.

FIVE RECEIVE INJURIES.

Several people were injured when small motor-truck carrying a party of Maoris from Tuawhare pa, Bruntwood, Waikato, burst into flames on Peake’s Road, about three-quarters of a mile from the Bruntwood railway -station, shortly after five o’clock on Tuesday afternoon. The truck, which was returning to.the pa from Maungatautari, was travelling alon<r the road when the front portion burst into flames. In his excitement the driver,’’Mr. Dan Reihani, accelerated, and lost control of the vehicle. He shouted to the others to jump out. This they all’ did when the truck was, travelling at a speed of more than 25 miles an hour. The vehicle continued on its course and eventually ran off the road, crashing into a hedge at the side. In leaping from the truck all the party were injured. The driver, who also jumped out, suffered from bruises and shock. His wife, Tohungia Reihani, aged 45, received injuries to the head and back,and his daughter, Eddie Reihani, aged 14 years, was severaly injured about the head.

An infant, Peggy King, aged four months, the daughter of Mr. W. King, also received injuries to the head. A girl, Louie Tui, aged six years, received minor burns on the leg. Mrs. Reihani, her daughter and the infant Peggy King, were later admitted to the Waikato hospital. The remainder of the party received cuts and bruises, but after receiving medical attention from Dr. H. C. Tod, of Cambridge, were able, to proceed home. The truck was damaged extensively

before the fire was extinguished by pass-ers-by. It is thought that the fire was due to the engine’s back-firing.