RAILWAY SMASH

Hokitika Guardian, 17 October 1931, Page 5

RAILWAY SMASH

SEVEN VEHICLES INVOLVED. PASSENGERS ESCAPE. (By Telegraph —Per Press Association) AUCKLAND, October 16. Seven insulated vans, loaded with butter and frozen mutton, were wreck, ed, and the permanent way was blocked over a distance of about fifty yards, through the partial derailment to-night of a. mixed train hound from Frank ton Junction to Auckland. The derailment occurred about half a mile south of the flag station at Knraka, which is 23 miles south of Auckland. The train left Paeratn, 25 miles from Auckland, at 7.16 p.m., and the accident occurred a- few minutes later, as it was entering a cutting. Tho train comprised 27 goods vans, two passenger cars, and the guard's van. It was the 21st van from the engine that caused the derailment. Tt parted completely from the train, and catapulted over 2|) feet to the left, bursting asunder. It was loaded with frozen mutton, which was scattered in all directions, while the bogey aud woodwork became a tangled mess. The next van also separated completely from those following, and it came to rest between the remains of the first van and the line. Th© rest of the five vans and part of the first passenger car rnn past these two, Three of tho vans telescoped and the wreckage was spread to the right and left, forming a confused mess about 16 feet deep and about tho same width right across the permanent way. The next two vans toppled over to the right, and pulled the .first passenger car and the forepart of the second passenger car off the rails with them. There were three passengers in the first car and three in the second ear, ail being men. They escaped with shakings, as also did the guard, who was looking out of the door of the guard’s van. A motor jigger, which was right at the rear of his van, shot full length to the front wall behind hi in. He commented afterwards that he thought at first that there was an earthquake shock. There was a thunderous row, and three sharp jolts, and then the train stopped. In the front passenger carriage the porcelain water filter crashed to the floor, and was smashed, but this appeared to be the only damage in either of the cars or in the guard’s van. The passengers received a severe jolting, but none was hurt. Within a short time, the surfacemen from Drury, Karaka, and Paerata. had arrived on the scene, and made a start on clearing away th© wreckage. Advice was also received that a steam crane and other breakdown plant, together with further men, were being despatched from Penrose.

Along the length of the derailment the sleepers were smashed and the rails spread. It will obviously occupy at least well into to-inorrow before a train can pass through again. Both of the expresses are held up. The Limited passengers will get through, but no others.