Struck by a Gray Coach bus when it attempted to swing onto No. 8 highway at the Cherry Road, about 3 miles east of Beamsville, a 1923 sedan, carrying three elderly occupants, was completely demolished and two ladies riding in it killed.
The accident, which occurred yesterday afternoon, brought death to Mrs. Arsula Hodgins, 72, and Mrs. Thomas Marr, 79, of Campden. Elmon Hodgins, husband of one of the victims, was the driver of the car, and he escaped with severe cuts about the face and head. He is suffering from shock.
Considerable difficulty was experienced in locating medical assistance, and Dr. A.F. McIntyre, who responded to the call, was the first on the scene. He rendered first aid and made arrangements to remove the victims to the St. Catharines general hospital. Mrs. Hodgins' condition was seen to be serious, while Mrs. Marr was found to be suffering from what appeared to be a fractured skull. They passed away within five minutes of each other after being removed to hospital by J.W. Buck's ambulance and one from the St. Catharines hospital. Mrs. Hodgins received fractures to both legs, one at the thigh and the other at the knee.
It is believed that the car, driving onto the highway, could not quite make the grade on the driveway leading from the house the motorists were visiting, and that Mr. Hodgins let the car roll back and then tried it again with more speed. The bus, driven by Joseph H. Bennett of Toronto, appeared to have little chance of avoiding the collision. It struck the car on the left side, and was pulled up within a space of about 26 feet.
Although the bus struck on the same side as that on which Mr. Hodgins was sitting, his injuries were not nearly as extensive as those of his passengers. His condition was reported last night as "favorable".
Provincial police are investigating the accident, and no decision has yet been reached regarding an inquest.
