GREAT SNOW STORM IN FRANCE.

Evening Post, Issue 70, 1 May 1865, Page 3

GREAT SNOW STORM IN FRANCE.

Details h.ave been received respecting the disastrous consequences of the snow storm in tlie department of the Aubeand of the Eastern Pyrenees, and it is stated apparently with reason, that within the memory of man no [ such fall was known before in those departments. On the 30th ult. the snow was lying to the depth of 4 yards on some portions of the railways, and in the cuttings at Douzcns and Conilhac, which were absolutely filled, the depth was nearly seven yards. Great exertions were made to open one line of rails in order that traffic might be resumed, and between 5000 and 6000 labourers were actively engaged. Several good trains were covered with snow, and it wns necessary to dig down to the stations and platforms before the goods could be unloaded when the trains were brought on ; but it was anticipated that this would not be done for some days. The towns along the line were in no better condition, for neither carriages nor carts had been able to proceed through the streets since the day afrer Christmas, and it was anticipated that some days would yet elapse before traffic could be resumed. Great losses and inconvenience had consequently been sustained by all, and the Midi Railway had suffered in particular. A platelayer, who, with other railway servants, was endeavouring to render aid to one of the trains showed up on the night of the 26th ult., fell into the snow and could not be extricated while life was left, for iv a few minutes the spot where he fell was covered with snow, and his body was not found till the 29th. At Moux and Lezignan the snow was heaped up by the storm to the height of twelve to sixteen yards in some streets, and assistance was rendered to the inhabitants through their second floor windows, which was their only means of leaving the dwellings. It is thought that many persons have died of the cold. The Archbishop of Avignon is now at Lezignan with his feet frostbitten. He suffered the rigours of the excessive cold during the night of the 26th ult., and could not be removed from the train. A lady is now in a most critical condition ; but all the other travellers passed through the danger with less injnry.