FIVE SISTERS OF COMPASSION IN VAN WHICH WENT OVER BANK

Wanganui Chronicle, 5 June 1950, Page 4

FIVE SISTERS OF COMPASSION IN VAN WHICH WENT OVER BANK

Five Sisters of Compassion, of th© Island Bay Home Wellington, had a miraculous escape from serious injury when a light van in which they were travelling, capsized and rolled down a 40ft. bank on the right of the long hill north of the Ratana Pa turn-off, between Turakina and Whangaehu, at mid-day yesterday. Three of the sisters received shock and minor injuries, and the other two shock and a broken collar bone. One of the sisters was driving the truck. After the accident, they were taken to the Home of Compassion, Wanganui. However, their injuries were not serious and it was stated yesterday that, they will be taken back to Wellington today. The vehicle was proceeding in the direction of Wanganui and had begun the descent of the hill when it skidded into the water table on the left of the road. The van kept, in the water table for about. 25 yards. It then hit a bank and was forced at a right angle back to the middle of the road, where it capsized and rolled down the bank, finally being stopped by a fence, which was reinforced by concrete posts. After capsizing the van rolled over three times. From the time it was out of control until it was brought, to a stop the vehicle travelled close on 80 yards. Shortly after the accident a passing motorist, on seeing the extensively damaged vehicle, immediately contacted the Wanganui ambulance and, police. Two ambulances, accompanied by a doctor from the Wanganui Hospital, were sent out. When they arrived the sisters were still trapped inside the van. The van In which the occupants were travelling is used in Wellington for collecting goods for the Island Bay Home. On the trip to Wanganui a spare can of petrol had been placed in the vehicle, and despite the severe buffeting received the cap was not removed.