FATAL COACH ACCIDENT.
Oamahu, May 21.
A fearful accident occurred yesterday to the coach from Dunedin. It left Palmerston for Moeiaki at the usual hour, taking fifteen passengers aboard, one a lady. In descending the ranges, the traces of one of the horses became loose, Goddard, a careful driver, who had been on the road for nine years was driving. On the box was a young man named Maitland who tried to assist Goddard, but his foot slipped, and he fell down amongst the horses feet. In falling he knocked God dard's foot off the brake, therefore Goddard could not get his foot on again. The coach got a great way on and one of the horses fell, the others took fri'^ht and bolted, and dragged the coach and occupants over a steep embankment, ia going down which the coach was capsized. On being picked up, Maitland was found to be fearfully injured, and was not expected to live till this morning. Nichols, of Dalgety, Nichols and Co., was killed outright. The driver was very seriously injured. Five other passengers were injured, but none dangerously. Great excitement waa created in town, and when a special tram with the dead and injured reached the platform, it was crowded with relatives. This was the last day on which the coach was to run, as the line is to be opened today.
(Later),
Young Maitland, who was injured in the coach accident yesterday, died this morning. He was the son of J. P. Maitland, and was on his way to school at Christchurch. His father and mother arrived here juafc in time to see their son die. G-oddard, tho driver, has been insensible
all day, but hopes are entertainod of his recovery. The inquest is now being held. 8 p.m. An inquest was held to-day on the bodies of Nicols and Maitland, killed in the coned accident. Evidence wa3 taken as to {he cause of death. The inquest then adjourned till 6th June, as Goddard (the coach driver), is not yet able to give evidence as to what was the cause of the accident. Goddard is slightly better tonight.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WCT18780523.2.8.5
Bibliographic details
West Coast Times, Issue 2851, 23 May 1878, Page 2
Word Count
356FATAL COACH ACCIDENT. West Coast Times, Issue 2851, 23 May 1878, Page 2
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