A “LIVE CAR”.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2660, 16 November 1909, Page 5

A “LIVE CAR”.

PERIL ON A TRAM.

IPer Press Association.! CHRISTCHURCH. Nov. 15.

A number of tram conductors returning to Christchurch from Riccarton racecourse on a double-decked car, on Saturday had a sensational experience of the growers of electricity. One of the arms at an electric pole near the new shed at Sockburn had bent under the strain of the trolley wire, and when the car passed under it the trolley pole was pressed down until it came in contact with one of the steel guards on top of the car. Immediately there was a short circuit. The trolley wire fused, giving forth a big electric flame, and burnt through, one length falling to tho ground and the other remaining in contact with the car. The car was “alive,” and the conductors, who were on top of the car, with considerable calmness, stood perfectly still, and away from the metal. The wire that fed 1 to the earth touched 01*2 .of the rails, and in an instant burnt through it. Motor Inspector Richardson was promptitude drew on liis rubber gloves 1 and freed the ear of the wire, thus allowing the conductors to vacate their dangerous position. Under the superintendence of the inspector the trolley wire was replaced in a remarkably short time. The damage done was slight, but it is certain had there been passengers in the car at the time of the accident the result would have been serious, since passengers would jirobably have stampeded, and in the panic and endeavors to climb down would have touched the metal railings and received the force of the electric current pouring into them.