STRANGE RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 6887, 18 May 1883, Page 3

STRANGE RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

Blenheim, May 4. The afternoon train yesterday brought np a man named Charles Cook to the Blenheim Hospital, who had had both his hands cut off on the railway. It appears that the afternoon train from Picton had just turned one of the curves on the liue between Para aud Tuamarina, when the engine-driver perceived a man lying at full length across the rails. He at once put the brakes on, but perceiving that the train could not be brought to a standstill before the spot where the man lay was reached, the fireman, William Hunter, jumped from the engine and ran along the line just ahead of 'the engine, and, at great personal risk, succeeded iu dragging the man's body clear of the rails. He was unable, however, to pull him sufficiently clear before the engine came up, and completely severed one hand at the wrist, and cut the other hand right across the palm below the thumb to the third finger. The unfortunate man was lifted into the train, and on arrival here be was conveyed to the hospital. Cook is a mill hand, engaged at Para, His right arm has been amputated below the elbow, but it is hoped to save two fingers of the other hand. The man had been drinking, aud had fallen asleep.