An Alarming Accident befell two young men on Sunday evening on the National omnibus which runs between Rushden and Bedford. About 8.55p.m. the ’bus was proceeding along High-street from the Queen Victoria Hotel in the direction of the church, and the two young travellers, Mr J Wiles, of Nottingham, who was visiting from Bedford on his holidays, and Mr C Hales, of Knotting, were standing on the top of the ’bus putting on their overcoats.
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The bridge demolished in 1973
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Being strangers to the district, they were unaware of the proximity of the bridge, and the result was that they were struck by the bottom of the bridge with such force as to knock them backwards over the seats and render them unconscious from concussion. They were helped down the steps and taken into the house of Mr and Mrs W Parrott, 144 High-street.
Dr. Muriset and his assistant, Dr. Gillespie, were sent for, and arrived immediately. The doctors found that the sufferers were badly cut about the head, one having received the force of the blow on the front of the head, and the other was hit on the back of the head, causing a nasty scalp wound. Staff-Sergt. A Prigmore and Ptes. A W Ablett and Hart, of the Rushden St. John Ambulance, also rendered assistance. The young man whose forehead was hit was the worse injured of the two, although his companion was very badly knocked about. The ’bus was delayed for about half an hour to take the patients home, if possible, but the doctors refused to allow the men to be removed so soon. Later on, however, they were taken home by motor-ambulance, Pte. Ablett accompanying them. |
