SERIOUS TRAM COLLISION.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXVI, Issue 13335, 25 March 1911, Page 7

SERIOUS TRAM COLLISION.

CARS MEET AT A LOOP. Several Passengers injured. SYDNEY, March 16; The most serious tram collision which has occurred at Sydney for some time happened last night at Eyde. It was an “endon” collision, doing considerable damage to both cars, and inuring a number of people. As a result of the impact five persons had to be conveyed to Balmain by tram. There the local branch of the Civil Ambulance received them, and conveyed them to Balmain Hospital. Five persons were severely injured, and Samuel McCracken (aged 65), Philip Young (70), and Sarah McDermott (36), were admitted to the hospital. The collision occurred about 8.30 p.m. The two cars should have passed each other at the loop. Instead they met and collided The shock was a severe one. The passengers were thrown forward with great violence from their seats, and in this way received their' injuries. None were riding in front, and, although the cars were badly damaged, the drivers only 'sustained minor injuries. All those who were conveyed to hospital were riding in the car from the quay. The experiences of the sufferers were alarming. Mrs McDermott was thrown clean out of the car to the road, and received several severe cuts and abrasions. Mr McCracken, whose years are not calcic lated to withstand a severe shock, .vas facing the driver, and was thrown with great force against the opposite seat.. His nose was broken against the top of the seat, and his knees painfully injured ■pjainst the bottom of it. Mr Young's inI'.tries were received in somewhat similar manner.

The cause of the accident will have to be elucidated subsequently. It is the practice for one car to wait until the other reaches it, when each driver exchanges his staff for the other’s and gets a clear road io the next loop.