Train Crew Overcome By Fumes In Tunnel

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28258, 22 April 1957, Page 18

Train Crew Overcome By Fumes In Tunnel

(New Zealand Press Association)

WANGANUI, April 21. The three members of the crew of a goods train from Marton to Wanganui were overcome by fumes when a burst pipe stopped the engine in the Denalir Tunnel, about three-quarters of 9 mile from the Fordell station, at 9.55 a.m. yesterday. The men were: Ernest Lewis, of Kaitoke, the driver; A. van Royen, of 3 Jellicoe street, Wanganui East, the fireman; and George Lawrence, of 195 Anzac parade, Wanganui East, the guard. All three were treated at Wanganui Hospital and sent home. The long train, hauled by a Ka diesel oil-burning locomotive, halted in the tunnel when a hose coupling burst. The crew found the fault and repaired it, but by the time this had been done the diesel fumes in the tunnel had layered the tracks with oil, making them slippery. The locomotive strained at its 500-ton load on the gradient, but failed to move it.

In the meantime, more fumes were pouring into the confined space of the tunnel, and the updraught from the Turakina end was slowly piling more and more smoke into the fumes.

The fireman, Mr Van Royen, was first to be affected. He slumped down unconscious. In the choking blackness, the driver. Mr Lewis, half carried, half dragged him into the open air at the Fordell end of the tunnel. Then overcome by the cumulative effect of the effort and the fumes, he fainted beside Mr Van Royen. The fireman returned to consciousness to find his driver stretched out beside the tracks. Mr Lewis woke soon afterward, and the pair’s first thoughts were for Mr Lawrence, the guard. Without hesitation, they left the safety of the clear air and walked back into the murk. Stumbling and coughing his way towards the dim light which marked the end of the tunnel, the guard came towards them apd they staggered out together. Once the station-master at Fordell had been informed, a Wanganui hospital board ambul-

ance was soon on its way and the railwaymen were taken to hospital for observation. All were allowed to return to their homes. A relief crew brought the goods train out in two rakes.