ACCIDENT TO A RAILWAY ENGINE.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1835, 9 January 1880, Page 3

ACCIDENT TO A RAILWAY ENGINE.

On Thursday evening the in-train from Oxford to Kaiapoi, on the Eyreton branch, due at the latter station at 6 p.m., did not arrive till 6 30, the delay of half-an-hour being accounted for by the breakage of a spring under the engine beyond Mandeville. The engine was packed up and ran for some distance, when the packing shifted, and slipping down the iron cow-catcher in front was crumpled under it like a bird cage. This caused a further delay, and the train was brought under easy steam to Kaiapoi, the train from Amberley to Christchurch being detained in order to forward mails and passengers. The engine was re-packed for the return journey to Bennett’s junction, and left

Kaiapoi about 7 p.m. with two carriages and guard’s van attached, the engine being driven by driver Duffey. When nearing the junction of the Oxford line with the main line, after crossing the North Waimakariri bridge, the packing again gave, and the engine left the metals, two wheels going outside, and two remaining inside the line, all being juried to the axles. The carriages, however, remained on the line. There were seven passengers in the train, who were much startled with the shock, but not injured in any way. The accident was forthwith reported, and a special engine with van was sent from Christchurch, with Mr Back, railway manager, Mr Cuthbert, assistant railway engineer, Mr Salmond, inspector of permanent way for the northern lines, and Mr Dickinson, locomotive engineer. They at once proceeded to the spot with a gang of workmen and McGregor’s gang was taken on at Kaiapoi. Orders were given to clear the line ; the carriages were returned to the station uninjured, and the workmen proceeded to raise the engine —one of the small kind—on to the metals, and place the line in order for the midnight train. This was successfully accomplished. The damaged engine has of late been doing all the work on the West Byreton line, and running an average of 112 miles per day. No doubt there will be an inquiry held in reference to the accident. The passengers by the train returned to Kaiapoi, and then went forward by buggies to their destination. Commendable promptness was shown by the officials in the matter.