RAILCAR DERAILED

Chronicle (Levin), 4 March 1946, Page 4

RAILCAR DERAILED

MISHAP NEAR OTAKI Running into a wandering mob of stock about a mile north of Otaki on Saturday evening, the Wairoa — Wellington railcar had the leading wheels of the forward bogie derailed, and the line was blocked for some time in consequence. Four of the cattle were killed. The accident occurred at 6.15 p.m., but difficulties arose when attempts were being made to replace the railcar on the tracks. It was not until shortly before midnight that the line was cleared. The Gisborne — Wellington express was affected by the mishap, Wellington passengers being delayed about two hours. Due to arrive in Wellington at 7.12 p.m., the railcar passengers did not reach the city until shortly after 9 o'clock. They were transported by special railway buses sent from Paraparaumu. Passengers on the south-bound Gisborne express had to be transported round the scene of the accident by a special fleet of five buses. Leaving the express at Manakau, they were taken to Otaki, where they linked with the Fields. express, which had left Wellington at 5.27 p.m. Travellers on the Fields train were transhipped to the express waiting at Manakau, continuing the journey to Palmerston North from there. At Wellington another fleet of special buses was provided to accommodate passengers for the suburbs. "In the circumstances it was marvellous how efficiently we were brought to Wellington," said one woman who was a passenger on the Gisborne — Wellington express.