EXACTLY 50 years ago today, The Daily Advertiser published the grim news of a tragedy which saw two men electrocuted by fallen power lines near Ariah Park.
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Gerald Carroll, 29, and his mate Ron Rutland, 30, were driving with a third man, Douglas Gillespie, when the car they were travelling in struck high-tension wires, believed to have fallen during a severe storm in the area.
Yesterday, a near lifetime after the accident that left her a widow with four children – including a four-month-old baby, that fateful day still lives with Margaret Carroll.
“It was tragic and saw us go through a tough time,” Mrs Carroll, who was left isolated on a farm in Ganmain, said.
“The police knocked on the door about 8pm – I can still remember the feeling of shock, disbelief.”
The August 16 story by the Advertiser reports the fallen wires were draped across a track on the property – almost at car height – when the vehicle hit the lines about 4.30pm.
Gerald and Ron stepped out of the vehicle and were severely burned.
However, Mr Gillespie realised the danger the wires presented and jumped free from the car. It is understood he dragged the dying men away from the wires with his overalls.
Ganmain woman Joan Hatty – wife of Ron Putland – was 26 years old at the time and left with two young children, aged one and three.
“’Til this day I’ve never been allowed to see the car ...” Mrs Hatty, who went on to marry again, said.
The couple had only just bought a house together.
“My mother came down to stay with me for a long time and I remember her telling me that I had to be strong. That I had two young kids to think about.”
Both Mrs Carroll and Mrs Hatty spoke about the importance of women being able to support themselves financially and of talking.
“A lot of people try to give space when a tragedy like this happens but I think it’s important to do the opposite,” Mrs Hatty said.
Douglas Gillespie died of a heart attack about 10 years ago. His sister Janice Cox said while she wasn’t sure how the accident affected him, she always remembers his great appreciation for his life.
“He was a strong, jovial man,” Mrs Cox said.
“Always happy.”