Van And Trucks Tangle Of Wreckage

Chronicle (Levin), 12 September 1949, Page 5

Van And Trucks Tangle Of Wreckage

Press Association)

(Per

±LAMiLiTUiN , »epr. ru. Reducing a number of empty wagons to «a tangle of wreckage, a north-bound goods train crashed into the rear of an other stationary goods train on the main Auckland-Wellington line immediately opposite Hopu Hopu Camp just after 5.30 this morning. It was fortunate that no one was injured. The pile of wreckage did not hold up other train traffic to any extent as, by the scene of the accident, there is a ioop line established for military purposee and trains were able to by-pass tha wreckage. The first goods train, which was also proceeding north, left Ngaruawahia at 4.6 this morning, but when near Hopu Hopu had to stop to raise- extra steam. Guard B. Smith left his van to warn the approaching train that the line was not clear, but the second train, which left Ngaruawahia at 5.27, was too close, agj it crashed heayily int-o the rcar^of the first train. ° Ploughing straight through the guard 's van and throwing two empty "L" wagons aside, the second engine piled up another eight wagons before coming to a standstill. The gusfrd of the first train was very fortunate that he was not in his van as it was smashed to matchwood. The empty wagons were torn - and twisted and piled on top 'of each. other, completely blocking the two main lines. • The engine crew of the first train were Messrs. S. J. Btanlev as driver and D. W. Hill as fireman, while the drivei of the second train was Mr. G. A. Ahbott, the fireman Mr. H. H. Bmith and the guard, Mr. A. G. Longman.