April 12, 1919: Motor Smash.

Shortly after 7-30 on Thursday [April 10] evening, a serious motor car smash took place on the Napier Road [in Calcutta] resulting in the death of Captain W.J. Simmons of the steamer “Actor” and serious injuries to a carter named Golwar and his attendant Lutna. So far as could be learnt last night Captain Simmons with two friends left the docks at about 7-30 P.M. in a motor car. One of the Captain’s friends was driving while Captain Simmons and another European were seated behind. While the car was proceeding along the Napier Road the driver in order to avoid a straw cart which was in front of him swerved to his right when the wheels skidded and the car ran into an empty bullock cart which was in front of the straw cart. Captain Simmons sustained serious injuries on his head and was at once taken to the General Hospital where he died at about 1 o’clock this morning [April 11] without regaining consciousness. The driver of the cart and his attendant who were also seriously injured were removed in a motor ambulance to the Medical College Hospital.