FRENCH RAILWAY SMASH.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 18833, 23 March 1931, Page 9

FRENCH RAILWAY SMASH.

ILL-OMENED CATASTROPHE. United Press Association—By Electrlo Tel egrapb—Copyright PARIS, March 20. Many passengers by the Paris-Bor-deaux express perceived ill-omen in the death from heart failure aboard the train just prior to the accident of a fellow passenger, Madame Colin. The train tore on for half a mile before the driver and the majority of the passengers realised the accident, owing to the bumping on the ballast of the third car, which was derailed. Eight bodies were recovered. Forty were injured. Others are believed to be missing. A dining car waiter’s cry “Lie down” probably saved many lives. The most difficult task was the extrication of five persons jammed in a telescoped concertina passage between a diner and the adjoining carriage. An English boy, aged eleven, stoically endured two hours’ agony while the workmen cut away the hampering steelwork with acetylene torches. M. Michaudi, who was on his honeymoon, was found dead amongst smashed crockery. His bride was seriously injured. An English victim, Frank Hatcher Westman, was a middle-aged man, whose inseparable companion, his brother Walter, was unhurt. FURTHER DETAILS. OFFICIAL HURLED THROUGH DOOR. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received March 22, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, March 21. Madame Colin died in a compartment occupied by M. Colomb, a member of the Chamber of Deputies, who, with other passengers, sought a place elsewhere. He was standing on the platform between two carriages with an official who was about to throw a note off at Etaples station, regarding the disposal of Madame Colin’s body, when the collision happened, fatally hurling the official through a half-open door, and burying M. Colomb in a mass of wreckage.