RECENT RAILWAY MISHAP

Hokitika Guardian, 22 June 1923, Page 1

RECENT RAILWAY MISHAP

STATEMENT BY AMNISTKR. WELLINGTON. June 20. The Mon. ,1. Code-. .Minister ol Railways, has i--tmd the following -laleineiit in eoiincei ion >\ i ill the n»ceni accident to the Main Trunk ex-pie-s -hoi 11\ alter leaving Tiiornilon sta I ion : i-’nll inquiry has been held by the 'itaiiw-.sy .Departn out in connection Mil it tile mishap to the WcllingtonAii"kh>.nd express on dune !) in the first tunnel after leaving Tlmnidmi station. The result of the inquiry shows that tile lira Ices wore thoroughly tested as usual before the train left Tlmrndon, and they pioved to he efficient. Ihe accident was due to the bursting ol the Westiiiglionsc brake hose in ihe tunnel I ctween the first and second carriages, causing tin- tram to port. The rear portion cl the train was aiitr-niatu-allv brought to a standstill, while tin' front portion travelled a short dtsU,in o. as hath engines were steaming at, the time. Both the leading engines wc'.c super-honied A.B. locomotives, I lowing oil' steam at high pressure ivlu-n they entered the tunnel. The condition in the tunnel Irom heat, smoke and steam was so had that the engine crews were compelled to leaw tlv (loot plate and get down the water table to escape sulfoention. The disabilities were increased by the darkness in tin- Mini:-. I. and there is no doubt that the trying conditions all'ectcd the judgment of the men in their efforts to get out of the tunnel into the fresh air. Emm the evidence it, is quite clear that tile crews of both engines were on the verge oi collapse from smoke and steam, consequently when they set back, although the impact between the front and rear portions of the train was not severe, the

pressure exerted by the weight oi two engines ami carriages appis xiniatelx 200 lolls against Die n-a- poitiaii oi lie. train, which had. ol course, remained immovable, was sufficient to rau-v the rear plniierm ol the postal car in mount the platform of the first car of the rear portion of the train. The draw gear of some cars was bent, and tile fact that no glass was broken in eitiler doors or windows is a clear indication that Hie damage to rolling stock was the result of the crushing force exerted l.y the .weight of the two engines and postal car. rather than the inipre-t. No one sustained injury.