EXCESSIVE SPEED.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 May 1926, Page 1

EXCESSIVE SPEED.

CAUSE OF OPAPA DISASTER

LIQUOR TAKEN ON TO ENGINE. WELLINGTON, May 14.

The report of the commission, consisting of Mr W. G. Riddell, S.M. (chairman), J. Marclibanks, and W. D. Hunt, which was set up to inquire into the cause of the derailment of the Wellington-Napier express train near Opapa station on September 22nd. 1925, was released for publication 1 to-day by the Minister of Rail-

way’s. To minimise the risk of fires from gas escaping as a result of train accidents the commission urges that the equipment of express train carriages with electric lighting be expedited. The commissioners report with regard to the question of speed and other factors that they are satisfied to accept the conclusions arrived at by Professor R. J. Scott, late Professor of Engineering at Canterbury College. who examined the damaged locomotive and the permanent- way and track in proximity to the accident. Those conclusions were : 1. —That the locomotive was in first class running order, and to no defect in upkeep can the derailment be attributed . 2. —That the track was substantial in character and in excellent order. 3. —That twenty-five miles per hour, the limiting speed on this portion of the track was a safe speed for the train ns constituted. 4. —That oscillation primarily set up by the varying curvature of the track, together with lateral thrust upon the bogie wheels might readily prove a source of danger at speeds exceeding thirty-three miles an hour, which are considered the extreme limit of safe speed for nn “A’,’ engine over this portion of the track. 5. —That- the position of the wreck indicates that at the moment of derailment-, the train was travelling at a rate of at least, forty miles an hour. “The cause of derailment,” say’s the report, “was excessive speed, clue to the engine-driver failing to take precautions to reduce speed when approaching the curves near which the dernjli'ng took place in accordance with the regulations which arc issued to engine-drivers and others. The presence of a third person on the engine, and the taking of liquor on to the engine, by that person during the journey, were factors which helped to bring about tbo derailment. The commissioners are satisfied that the present curves oil the grade where-. the derailment occurred can be snfely negotiated by all trains if the maximum speed of twenty five miles an hour fixed by tbo regulations is not exceeded.” The fact that five carriages wore destroyed bv fire, which started immediately after the accident, leads them to believe that the fire was occasioned by the escape of Pintscli gas, liberated by the rupture of cylinders, and Hu' connections. This gas would be quickly ignited from the locomotive, fire-box, and it is clear, they say, that the derailment, serious as it was. might have been much more disastrous in its consequences. In view of that fact they recommend that the. equipment of express train carriages with electric lighting be completed as speedily as possible. It is recommended that the department investigate the possiblity of improving the curvature of the line, at the scene of the derailment by slightly altering its location, and that- the department consider the advisability of increasing the maximum super-elevation now ruling on the curves, with a view to giving greater safety in running and providing increased comlort to passen-

The commissioners are of opinion that the reduced time allowed in the run between AYellington and Napier, as compared with the time taken prior to .March, 1925, did not affect the safe running of the train. It is clear from the evidence, says the- report, that the difference is mainly made up of time saved by elimination of nineteen stops at small stations between the terminal points and reducing the time allowed lor stops at certain other stations. On no part of the run is

the maximum speed per hour allowed under the earlier time-table increased, and the speed restriction of twenty-five miles an hour at the curve on which the derailment occurred is that which has obtained for many years past. With regard to the taking of liquor to railway engines the commission says that in addition to the regulations for disciplining trainmen guiltv of misconduct they think it should lie made a statutory offence, punishable by tine or imprisonment, for any person to

place intoxicating liquor in possession of or offer liquor for consumption to any members of the staff nt a train while on duty. Taking into consideration the number of engine drivers and tranimen daily employed by tbo. department and the few cases of misconduct connected with liquor the commissioners are of opinion from this and their other inquiries in the matter that the occurrence was the result of unusual circumstances. The disaster, however, points to the necessity of all engineers and trainmen being strictly sober and trustworthy officers, who recognise their responsibilities not only to the department hut also to the public.

The commissioners thank Air Myers, K. 0., counsel for the Railways Department. and Mr AT. Donnehy. secretary to the commission, lor their assist-

ance in the conduct of the inquiry, also all witnesses who gave evidence at the hearing. The Prime .Minister states that the recommendations of the commission arc under consideration and some already have been put into effect.