TRAIN DERAILED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20068, 14 October 1939, Page 7

TRAIN DERAILED

EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TRUCKS AND TRACK MISHAP NEAR DUNEDIN (Per Press Association.) DUNEDIN, this day. A serious railway accident occurred yesterday between Clarendon and Waihola about 30 miles south of Dunedin when the Clinlon-Dunedin goods train with 00 vehicles, was derailed. Twenty-six vehicles in all were derailed, several being capsized and badly damaged. The track was also badly damaged for 300 yards. It is unlikely that a clearance will be effected until late this afternoon. The passengers and luggage on the north and south expresses were transferred by buses between Waihola and Milton and the north bourm. express left Dunedin 45 minutes behind schedule. The cause of the accident is yet unknown. The accident occurred on a straight stretch two milss south of Waihola The train comprised 60 trucks, a passenger coach and two vans. Nobody was injured. Over 200 yards of the track were torn up, and many trucks were reduced to matchwood. A large proportion contained coal, tons of which were flung down the embankment. The engine and leading truck escaped derailment. The twenty-five trucks involved were the centre of the rake. Twisted steel and smashed woodwork litter the track for 100 yards. It is hoped to have the line rebuilt late this afternoon. Two cranes are working with a breakdown crew of 50.