CROSSING SMASH

Waikato Times, Volume 130, Issue 21654, 14 February 1942, Page 6

CROSSING SMASH

TRUCK DRIVER KILLED TWO COMPANIONS INJURED (By Tele.r.pß.—Press Association) AUCKLAND, Saturday One man was killed and two others were injured when a motortruck was struck by a train at the Porter’s Avenue level crossing, Mount Eden, at 3.30 yesterday afternoon. The victims were:— Killed Mr William Baird, ganger and truck driver, a widower, of Epsom. Injured Mr Donald McConochle, arc welder, aged 44, widower, of Mount Eden. Injuries to the back and concussion. Mr Archibald Earsman, assistant permanent way superintendent, single, aged 54, Newmarket, broken lett arm, shock and abrasions to the head. All three men were employees of the Auckland Transport Hoard and were travelling toward Eden Terrace in the cab of one of the board's welding trucks, Mr Baird being the driver. The crossing has automatic warning bells. The truck was carried to the opposite side of the crossing and hurled on to a shunting siding: The driver's cab and the workshop housed on the tray were splintered by the impact. Meters, tools and other equipment were strewn the railway line. When an outward passenger train, carrying a large number of schoolchildren, passed over the crossing, a large jagged side of the wooden workshop swung toward the carriages. Bystanders warned those leaning out of windows in each carriage. The injured men were taken to the Auckland Hospital. The condition of Mr McConochie last night was fairly serious and that of Mr Earsman not serious.