TRAIN DERAILED

Hokitika Guardian, 1 August 1929, Page 2

TRAIN DERAILED

HORSES’ NARROW ESCAPE, [By Telegraph, Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, July 31. The north-bound goods train, with one pasesnger car attached, from Masterton to Woodville, was derailed about two miles south of Eketahuna at midday to-day. Apparently the first truck jumped the rails on the straight portion of line and ran along for nearly half a mile off the rails. Here three or four other trucks were derailed, but all safely negotiated a small bridge, although the wheel marks show within an inch or two of the edge of the sleepers. After crossing the bridge, the couplings broke and three trucks were precipitated down a steel filling, while two horse trucks were telescoped. Those contained a team of horses, amongst whom was King Midas, owned by Mr Elgar (Featherston), en route for the Wanganui races. A further truck covered a- hundred yards before the engine stopped. The horses were released and it was found that King Midas was not seriously injured. The pnssenges escaped unhurt,' and Were transferred -to another train, to continue the journey. ■ The derailment caused a delay of four hours to both mail trains.