GOODS TRAIN HITS BIG SLIP

Grey River Argus, 7 October 1948, Page 4

GOODS TRAIN HITS BIG SLIP

PALMERSTON NORTH, Oct. 6. A mixed goods train was struck by a large slip at the Ashhurst end of the Manawatu Gorge at 11 o’clock yesterday morning. Despite the rubble which fell on the area for some time, the train remained upright and continued its journey when the line was cleared at 3 p.m.

Workmen clearing the slip were in constant danger from falling, rocks, but none were injured. The slip, though not heavy, covered a considerable length of the track. The train was travelling from Palmerston North to Napier, and had left Palmerston North at 9.40 a.m. There were. no passengers on board. The last accident of a similar nature in the gorge caused the death of a driver and fireman of a goods train. Both men were drowned when the engine and several cars were carried off the rails and into the Manawatu River on October 26, 1946. A slip also occurred on the road near Ashhurst last night, but motorists were able to pass safely. Workmen were busy clearing debris all day to-day.