EUSTON DISASTER

Hokitika Guardian, 28 April 1924, Page 3

EUSTON DISASTER

TWO TRAINS COLLIDE

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(Received this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, April 2d

Altogether fifty were injured in the Kustoii disaster. There were distressing scenes in the dark tunnel. The rescuers arc working with light Hares and acetylene lamps in extricating the injured from the debris. Several coaches were smashed to matchwood. The difficulties and dangers are increased by the stilling fumes ol the fused rubber-covered cables. Gases from the train cylinder are repeatedly catching aligb t and a conflagration is averted by the prompt application of extinguishers and continuous supplies of water.

A relief party wielded pickaxes and crowbars and improvised the; carriages’ woodwork as stretchers. The lino was out of action for the rest of the day.

The dentil roll in the Fusion tlimaster was brought up to four by the. death in hospital of two of those injured. The condition of the driver of the electric train whose logs were _ crushed is serious. The others are progressing favourably. It is anticipated a full train service will operate to-morrow. STIRRING EXPERIENCES. [“The Times” Service.] 'Received tins day at 8 'i.m.i LONDON, April 23. The injured vividly describe the tunnel smash. Six Covent'ryites in a rear compartment were pinned by the legs through the seats telescoping. All answered their names in the darkness except Samuel Ives. After a pause Ives groaned and said, ‘‘My foot is off.” We were half cooked and there was a stench of escaping gas. We saw smouldering rubber and suddenly saw the flicker of flames beneath the j broken floor. It seemed a year before it was extinguished. Another said, “I found myself wedged between a broken frame and the tunnel wall. Roth legs were useless, so 1 crawled thirty yards to the tunnel mouth." A despatch says the accident will he a memorial for flip heroism of Adams, driver of Ihe electric train. His foot was crushed under the motor while the starter handle was pressing into Ids stomach. The wrecked coach was delicately poised above him. Adams asserted there was no red ’ light nn the rear of the Coventry train. His escape is regarded as miraculous. He was pinned ill the wreckage for five hours. The electric current from the live rails held him in a deathlike grip to the driving wheel, until the current was cut off. Thereafter the wreckage held the lower part of the body. He behaved with heroic courage through the long ordeal, while his rescuers were endeavouring to release him. He was given sips of water and smoked a cigarette, though obviously in great . pain. Tie replied cheerfully to en- , _A-pouraging words and said. ‘‘That is all right, boys, stick it out. I am 0.K." When released he insisted on making a little speech, complimenting Ins rescuers on their hard work.