TERRIBLE DISASTER.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 April 1924, Page 3

TERRIBLE DISASTER.

SUSTRAI.iAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION EXPRESS TRAINS COLLIDE. LEI’NE. April 28. Two express trains collided on tin St Ootliard line near Belliuzonn. A waggon burst into Hallies. Sc far 21 bodies have been recovered, a number being badly charred. It is stated the majority ol the victims arc German tourists bound lor Italy.

The whole of a Berlin family. eonsistiiel of Set her, mother ami three children are among I la- killed . Jintli trains had two locomotives. !l is alleged the driver of one of the expresses failed to olmv the signal at the en t m nee to Bellinznnn station. Thb St Ihithard express was little hurt except the engines, hnt l»u coaches of the other train were smashed to fragments. Immediately the, linrst into names, mving to the explot; 1., of their gas tanks. The passengers jideep at the time. The hollies j„ the tit'st coach were completely ear--1.. nised in a few minutes. The flames spread to the second coach Before d was possible to attempt any rescue. The victims were pinned by debris. Apart from the dead.- many must im<ler*£« jimpiitiition. BERNE. April *2-1. It is now established that Dr Hofferieh (late German Minister) and Ins mother are among the victims of the TJcllin/.oiia train disaster.