Railway Smash.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4583, 6 July 1923, Page 2

Railway Smash.

Accident Near Ongarue. 14 Killed, 35 Injured. TRAIN TELESCOPED. RELIEF PARTIES WORKING. TAUMARUNUI, this day. News has been received that a terrible accident has occurred on the railway line half a mile .south of Ongarue, which is fourteen miles jn the Auckland side of Taumarunui. The Main Trunk express which left Auckland last night at eleven o’clock ran into a slip at the place mentioned, with the terrible result that the engine and postal van were derailed and three passenger cars telescoped. Tne latest reliable report shows that. 14 passengers nave been killed outright and 35 badly injured. Relief parties are still searching in the debris for further casualties. Relief trains containing doctors and nurses were despatched from Hamilton and Taumarunui. The Main Trunk train was not deepatched from Auckland at the scheduled time last night, being held back until nearly 11 o’clock on. account of the rough weather. This train met its fate shortly after 5.30 this morning. It is believed that the loss of life is likely to be greater than the present figures show, as the train was a heavy one and carried a large complement of passengers. Among the passengers who contemplated joining the train at, Frankton Junction last night were the Rev". W. ). Enticott, now of Taumarunui., who had been visiting Paeroa, and Dr. Bathgate, of Turua. KILLED. The names of the victims are as follows:— Mr H. T. Ward, Herne Bey. Mr G. Morgan, Palmerston North. Mr E. McCombe, Rotorua. Mr J. J. Brady, WoodviHe. Mr N. L. Waters, returned soldier, address unknown. Mr M. J. Cannon, Pahiatua. Mr F. J. Billing, address unknown. Mr H. G. Hunt, Te Kuici. Mrs W. Donald, Epsom. Mr Poll Currie, believed to be of Auckland. Mr C. H. Paynter, Horohoro. The engine driver, Mr W. F. Campbell, whose home is in Auckland, was badly scalded by steam and died after his admission to the Taumarunui Hospital Three men as yet unidentified. Mr C. Mayne, MorrinsviUe, believed to be killed, but report not confirmed. LATER. Jnst before going to press word was received from Taumarunui that the injured were being conveyed to the public hospital at that town, and that everything that was humanly possible was being done to relieve thei r ’ sufferings. There is believed to be an adequate supply of doctors, nurses, and surgical appliances. Among the injured, it is reported, there are a number who are seriously hunt. Tne full toll of life a,s a result of the catastrophe canno| yet be ascertained.