FIRE DEMOLISHES RAIL CAR

Chronicle (Levin), 7 May 1947, Page 5

FIRE DEMOLISHES RAIL CAR

GREYMOUTH, May 6. The Greymouth-Christchurch rail car was burnt to the ground at 7 o 'elock tonight, 11 miles from Poerua station. The car was fully laden but all the passengers eseaped without injuny and no luggage was lost. The car was driven by Mr. C. Hardy. , The cause of the- fire is not yet aseertained. The passengers are proceeding to Christchurch by a mixed train. The scene of tlie aceident is between Poerua and Jacksons, in a very isolated- locaiity. It was later ascertained that the driver had no indication of the outbreak until the flames had a firm hold but was able to stop and discharge the 50 passengers. The mails- were saved but a small quantity of the passengerss' luggage was damaged by the fierce heat. Hundreds of gallons- of burning diesel oil made it impossible to approaeh the car for some time but it was eventually pushed to Poerua station the Greymouth-Otira goods train at 10.55 p.m. and was still' burning then. The shell and u-nderframe only remained1. The line was undamaged and normal traffie proceeded after the wrec'k was removed. A special railear from Greymouth rushed to the seene taking passengers for Christchurch, who will" ar.rive at their. destination about three hours late.