CROSSING SMASH.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20519, 22 January 1935, Page 13

CROSSING SMASH.

Lorry Wrecked and Train Damaged. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, January 21. Two men had a remarkable escape from death when the lorry on which they were travelling was wrecked in a spectacular collision with the New Plymouth to Wellington express this afternoon about half a mile north of Paekakariki. The lorry and its load of mixed goods were destroyed. Mr T. Irving, driver of the lorry, of Bell Street. Otaki, is thought to have a fracture of the left leg and injuries to the right leg and arm. His com--1 panion, Mr A. M’Neilage, an engineer, ! of Abel Smith Street, Wellington, has a broken right thigh and an injury to the right hand. Both were taken to hospital after the train brought them to Wellington. The indications are that the impact was tremendous. Apparently the vehicle was struck at the rear when nearly across the rails. The cab was knocked off the chassis and wrecked, debris being strewn for fifty yards along the track. The front of the locomotive was considerably damaged, but it was able to draw the express to Paekakariki. where it was changed for another locomotive.