HEAD-ON COLLISION

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17027, 28 April 1923, Page 8

HEAD-ON COLLISION

TAXI-CAB AND TRAM-CAR FOUR MEN INJURED. As the result of a head-on collision between a taxi cab and a tramoar on the Papanui Road at about 8.45 last night three men were admitted to hospital suffering from more or less serious injuries. Their names are : Francis M’Tigue, taxi driver, of 254, Antigua Street, in juries to foreJ. Garrett, of Balcairn. injuries to head (not considered serious). William Dermott, injuries to head (unconscious and condition considered rather serious).

The accident occurred on Papanui Road about opposite Church Street. At the time of the accident the taxicab, which was driven by M’Tigue, was going out of town on its proper side, and the tramcar was inward' bound, travelling on the west, or wrong side. Besides M’Tigue. there were three men in the car, but one of the passengers, Edward Garrett, of Sockburn, escaped without serious injury. He was cut about the face by flying glass. The tramcar was driven by Motorman Good. He states that he saw the motor-car coming towards him and sounded his gong. When he saw that the taxi did not change its direction he began to slow down, and he states that the tramoar was practically at a standstill when the collision occurred. Motorman Good states that the driver of the taxi tried to swerve off when a few yards from the tramcar, but it was too late and the motor caugt*. the tram with a glancing blow, knocking a piece off the front step and bending the buffer. The taxi was badly damaged. The wind screen was smashed to atoms and the occupants of the tnxi were injured by the flying glass. The body of the taxi suffered considerable damage. The injured men were attended toby Dr Gerald Russell, who ordered thenremoval to hospital. After the accident the taxi was towed into a near-by garage. The tram was able to proceed on its journey.