Politicians injured in hillside accident

The Journal reported the incident under the heading "Wagonette Accident at Malvern":-

"A party of politicians and their friends, to the number of about 390, had their annual picnic to Malvern on Monday, but the success of the outing was marred by a serious accident arising out of which eight persons were admitted to the Malvern Rural Hospital.

"The visitors engaged a number of charabancs and brakes for a drive round the hills, and it was on the homeward journey that the accident occurred.

"As the vehicles were descending the hill between the Camp and the Wells, the brake of one of them failed to act, and the horses were forced down by the mere weight of the load. The pace steadily increased until it became alarmingly fast, and in rounding the bend about half-way down, the wagonette went over.

"The ten occupants - eight inside and two on the box - as well as the driver were pitched into the roadside bank. The vehicle went clean over but fortunately did not touch the passengers. The greatest alarm prevailed. The other vehicles, two or three of which narrowly escaped being run into, pulled up and their occupants went to the aid of the injured. So dangerous had the situation appeared that it was feared the injuries would be of a more serious nature than eventually proved to be the case.

"The injured were put into a carriage, and with all the promptitude possible were conveyed to hospital. Mrs Brooks and her 14 month-old baby were the worst sufferers. She was found to be suffering from concussion while the baby's leg had to be put in splints and, by the first available train, the little one was despatched to the Birmingham Hospital in the charge of its grandmother who lives at Hanley Swan. All the other injured had severe cuts and bruising while the driver had a sprained ankle. The horses were not hurt, but the side of the brake was smashed in.

"Mr J.T Middleton MP, who accompanied the party, announced that he would pay all the medical expenses."