RAILWAY SMASH

Hokitika Guardian, 21 September 1928, Page 4

RAILWAY SMASH

NEAR PALMERSTON NORTH. (By Telegraph-Press Association). PALMERSTON N., Sept. 20. • A serious dislocation .of the Main Trunk Railway service has' been caused through the derailment this evening of 17 waggons attached to' a mixed train, which, leaving Wanganui at 4,12 p.m; was duo at Palmerston North at 7.57.

The passengers were unhurt. Just rafter passing the Boundary Road crossing, the passengers felt a humping, evidently the result of a waggon axle breaking and causing the vehicle to jump the rails, and a few seconds before the smash sparks were seen emitting from under n truck. About 21) chains further on, the train passed a siding, at which a rake of three trucks, loaded with cement pipes Were standing. The derailed waggon caught these, and dragged them along upending thorn, 1 and these in turn caused the derailment of the rest of the train’.

The breaking of the couplings brought the Westinghouse brake immediately into action., and this saved the roiir portion of the train, including the two passenger coaches, from being involved in the general upheaval. The wreckage of- waggons involved

in the smash up is complete, and it will lie 24 hours before the lino is again clear. Postal hampers of English mail for 'Wellington, and South Island hampers and general merchandise, including a consignment of flo’m 1 , were scattered in all directions.

The Railway Department sent out motor oars to convey the passengers to their destinations, and arrangements are Being made to transfer the main trims passengers on its arrival at Palmerston North on the south, and at Rumiytliorpc on the north respectively.