Railway Accident.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3614, 27 January 1906, Page 2

Railway Accident.

WANGANUI SPECIAL RUNS OFF, CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE DONE. Wanganui, Jan. 2 6. A serious accident, fortunately unattended with loss of life or limb, occurred to the excursion train returning to Wanganui from the Hawera Band Contest. The train left Hawera with sixty excursionist# at 1,0.15 p.m., reaching Momohaki at 12,20 a.m. As the train slowed down approaching the platform the passengers ex* perienced a heavy jolt, and it was found that the engine was off the line and three of the leading cars were also derailed. The rails were bent and “spread” very badly. The occupants of the leading car had a narrow escape, and it is certain that but for the driver’* prompt action in applying the Westinghouse brake something serious would have happened. Two people were sitting on the platform and were pitched off the Car to the side of the track, while a lad had his legs grazed by the sharp end of a “ point ” rail which had pierced through the floor and seat of the car, curving round in front of lad. The other occupants escaped with nothing worse than a fright. \ The accident was probably caused by the car following the engine jumping the points and running on the side of the track. The engine was badly damaged, A pair of wheels and axles were wrenched off and were subsequently found under rhe middlesof the leading car. The gravel and ballasting was ploughed up for a distance of 40 yards. A relief train with a gang of men was sent from Wanganui, and arrived at 5 o’clock. The passengers eventually reached Wanganui at 6.20 a.m. /