RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1659, 27 January 1906, Page 2

RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

TO AN EXCURSION TRAIN,

(Per Press Association.) Wanganui, last night. A serious accident, fortunately unattended with loss of life or limb, occurred to an excursion train returning from the Hawera band contest last night. The train left Hawera with 60 excursionists at 10.45, reaching Momohaki at 12.20 a.m. As the train slowed down approaching the platform the passengers experienced a heavy jolt, and the train being pulled up, it was found the engine was off the line, and three of the leading cars had also been derailed, the rails being bent and “spread” badly. The occupants of the leading car had a □arrow escape, and it is certain that but for the driver’s prompt action in applying the Westinghouse brakes something serious would have happened. Two people who were silting on the — platform were pitched off the ear to the Bide of the track, while a lad sitting in a corner next the door had his leg grazed by the sharp end of a point rail, which bad pierced through the floor and seat of the oar, curving round in front of the lad. The other occupants of the car escaped with nothing worse than a fright. The cause of the accident was probably due to the oar followingjthe engine “ jumping” the points and running on the side track.' The engine was badly damaged, including a pair of wheels and axles wrenched off, being subsequently found under the middle of the leading ear. The gravel ballasting was ploughed up for a distance of 40 yards. A relief train end gang of men were sent from Wanganui, and arrived at 5 o’olock. The passengers eventually reaching here at 6.20 a m.