A Railway Van blown off the Line.

Manawatu Herald, 21 November 1896, Page 2

A Railway Van blown off the Line.

•- What might have been a serions mishap occurred to the morning train from the Wairarapa to Weilington yesterday. A very heavy north west gale was blowing over the ranges, and the wind was coming down the gorges with txtraordinary force, driving pieces of stone and gravel against the aides of the carriages. When the train had reached the bend just outside the second tunnel from the Summit the wind rushed down the gorge with such terrific, force that it lifted a van which was the last but one car attached to the train, clean off the rails. No doubt the heavy train in front and the grip van at the rear prevented it from being blown on its side. It was close to this very place where the acoident ocourred some 16 years ago, when two carriages were blown over and precipitated down into the valley below. The carriages were then of a much lighter build, and were consequently more liable to be derailed. Furthermore, at that time the engines did not haul the carriages, but pushed them along, which practice experience has taught was not oonduoive to safety. Immediately on the accident occurring the guard telephoned for assistance. It might be here men* tioned that the guard's vans are provided with telephones, whioh can be connected in a few seoondt with si wire running from Cross Creek to the Summit. In about ten minutes after the van was derailed the authoritieg in Wellington had particulars of the acoident. An engine and a number of men were sent up from Cross Creek to the scene of the acoident, and, after ftttla more than an hour's work, the tivSn was abU to resume its journey, arriving in Wellington about an hour and a doarter