In a harrowing incident near Limerick, Ireland, Dr Urnsby, the Medical Officer of Ballyleague District in Roscommon, had a miraculous escape from a potentially fatal accident. The incident occurred as Dr Urnsby was travelling from Ballina to Limerick, where his parents reside. The doctor, presently on holiday, found himself in a life-threatening situation about eight miles outside Ballina.

The shocking turn of events unfolded when Dr Urnsby’s motorcar encountered a flock of sheep on the narrow roadway. In an attempt to navigate through the flock, the vehicle swerved unexpectedly and crashed into a low wall along the public road running adjacent to the lakes. The force of the impact propelled the car through the wall, causing it to plummet an astonishing fifty to sixty feet.

Fortunately, Dr Urnsby displayed remarkable presence of mind during this perilous moment. Just as the motorcar teetered over the precipice, he made a split-second decision to jump clear of the vehicle. Despite the heart-stopping descent, the doctor managed to escape with only a few scratches and a severe shaking. His quick thinking and agility turned out to be instrumental in averting what could have been a tragic outcome.

The subsequent events unfolded with a grim finality. The motorcar, after hurtling down the steep incline, collided with the rocks below, resulting in an explosion. The intensity of the blast left the vehicle in a mangled and irreparable state, rendering it little more than scrap metal.

Local authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the accident, and an investigation is underway to assess whether factors such as road conditions or other external influences contributed to the unexpected swerve. Eyewitnesses at the scene described the incident as both shocking and surreal, with the wreckage serving as a stark reminder of the fragility of life, even in the midst of serene landscapes.

The Pontoon Lakes area, known for its natural beauty, has now become the backdrop to this extraordinary incident. The narrow road winding through the picturesque countryside unexpectedly transformed into the stage for a high-stakes drama that unfolded with Dr Urnsby’s narrow escape.

Residents and passers-by expressed relief that the doctor emerged relatively unscathed from the accident. The local community, well-aware of the potential hazards of the roads, is calling for a thorough examination of safety measures along such routes to prevent similar incidents in the future.

As the investigation progresses, the incident near Limerick serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of travel, even in seemingly tranquil surroundings. Dr Urnsby’s miraculous escape has left the community reflecting on the importance of quick thinking and resilience in the face of unforeseen challenges on the road.

Dublin Daily Express – Friday 30 June 1911