PASSENGERS ALARMED.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 223, 20 September 1928, Page 10

PASSENGERS ALARMED.

MAIN LINE ACCIDENT. WHANGABEI EXPRESS DERAILED.

TWO CARS LEAVE THE TRACK.

An accident happened to the OpuaAuckland express yesterday afternoon. It was caused through the undergear of a carriage striking a disused rail which was lying alongside the main line as the train was passing through Tauraroa station, about seventeen miles south of Whangarei. The engine and the first four cars passed the obstruction in. safety. The fifth vehicle, hitting the obstacle, caused the old rail to be forced up on to the line, and thus caused that particular carriage to become derailed. The train was proceeding at a diminished speed, passing through the station yard, and when it came to a set of points the fifth carriage jumped these, and in turn caused the sixth car to leave the track. . When the train pulled up, both the derailed cars were resting at an angle to the main line, the couplings having snapped. Passengers on the express had a startling experience, and at one time it was thought that the cars would be overturned. Luggage was thrown in all directions, and as the cars travelled over the sleepers the occupants were jolted severely, especially when the vehicles were turned at an angle. No one was severely injured, although several people were knocked about. Through traffic was not affected, the loop lines at the station being used to carry on. Very little damage was done to the track, and the express was delayed 50 minutes. Arrival was made at Auckland 33 minutes late. The damaged cars were left where they were, and by again utilising the loop lines the rear end of the train was connected with the front part and the run to Auckland continued.