RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1102, 29 May 1913, Page 3

RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

TWO TRAINS COLLIDE

Auckland, May 28

A sensational railway accident occurred at New Lynn this morning, when two trains collided on the railway bridge just above the New Lynn Station. Both engines were badly damaged, two carriages were completely telescoped, and 20 people were injured. The accident occurred at 6.50 a.m., when the suburban workmen’s train from Henderson, carrying between 70 and 100 passengers, was running across the railway bridge, about 350 yds. above the New Lynn Station. It is customary for the incoming passenger train to pass the out-ward-bound goods train at New Lynn. The latter (known as No. 5) leaves Auckland at 5.35 a.m., and at New Lynn the engine takes in water, and then side-tracks for the purpose of allowing the 6.50 passenger train (No. 6) to pass. This morning No. 5 watered as usual at the tanks just above the New Lynn Station, and then proceeded as far as the railway bridge for the purpose of getting back on to the side line. It was at this moment that the incoming passenger train rounded the curve which gives the first view of the bridge and station. The morning was particularly hazy, and this may have accounted for some misunderstanding in regard to the signals. At any rate, on an almost even grade, No. 6 came rushing round the curve right on the almost stationary goods train. The driver of the engine on the latter train just bad time to realise the impending danger, and managed to get his train in motion backwards, but too late. The driver of No. 6 also applied his brakes. Amongst those reported as hurt were the following : Stone (Waikumete), who was so severely crushed and injured internally that small hopes are entertained of his recovery. Cornish, driver of the passenger train, who was badly cut about the head and face, England, fireman, who received injuries to his head and eye. Miss Smyth (Heudersou) severely cut about the head and rendered unconscious. H. Thomas (Waikumete), laceration above both eyes, necessitating stitches, contusion, and laceration of the nose. W- H. Perkins (Henderson), serious cut over the left eye, necessitating several stitches, and injuries to back. A. B. Stych (Waikumete), laceration over the eye, and a scalp wound. W. H. Elderton (Henderson), severe injuries to leg. A. W. Tuck (Henderson), injuries to’, head, which temporarily rendered him senseless. Others were slightly injured.