TRAMS IN COLLISION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 6, 8 January 1946, Page 3

TRAMS IN COLLISION

FOUR PEOPLE INJURED MOTORMAN’S REMARKABLE ESCAPE (P-A.) Auckland, Jan. 7. Four persons were injured and a tramway motorman had a remarkable escape when two city-bound tramcars came into violent collision this afternoon.

The accident occurred in Symonds Street, near the intersection of East Street. The injured people are:— Mrs. Olive Oates, of Sandringham, an injured right leg and severe shock. Mr. Ivan Jurich, of Mount Eden, believed to have fractured his right arm. Mrs. Mavis Carmont, of Ponsonby, severe shock.

The conductor of one of the trams. Mr. A. N. Lewis, suffered an Injury to an arm, but was not taken to hospital.

The two tramcars, which were both well filled at the time, were proceeding in the same direction. The rear platform of the first car was cleared right back to the passenger compartment, all the woodwork being splintered and the metal fittings twisted out of all recognition. The front of the second tramcar was also smashed and twisted, although less seriously. The driver’s windows were pushed forward against the partition behind the motorman’s compartment, the motorman, Mr. B. B. Barber, having a remarkable escape from injury. “It sounded as if the whole tram was breaking up,” a passenger in the first tramcar said. “I jumped smartly, and I saw the motorman oi the car behind jumping clear about the same time. Both trams were still moving when the collision occurred.” The cause of the collision will form the basis of an inquiry by the Auckland Transport Board.