RAILWAY CATASTROPHE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1142, 4 September 1913, Page 3

RAILWAY CATASTROPHE.

SCOTCH EXPRESSES

COLLIDE.

IN YORKSHIRE HIGH-

LANDS

London, September 2

There has been a terrible railway disaster in one of the most inaccessible and lolty spots in England, near the scene of the Hawes disaster in 1910. At 3 o’clock this morning, in pitch darkness, the Aberdeen express crashed into the rear of the stationary Glasgow express. Several carriages were telescoped and others overturned. One of the trains ignited. Terrible scenes were witnessed. Some of the passengers were roasted to death. Fifteen persons were killed and twenty-five injured. Among those injured was Sir Arthur Douglas, who for many years occupied prominent military positions in New Zealand, and who was Under-Secretary for Defence from 1895 to 1901. His condition is serious, and be has been removed to the hospital.

The Glasgow express stopped at 3 in the morning for want of steam near the top of Aisglll summit, Yorkshire. The night was pitch dark. The Aberdeen express, going at full speed, dashed into the rear of the standing train with terrific force. The engine penetrated the end of one carriage and smashed several others.

Indescribable scenes followed. Wild screams came from many victims who were pinned beneath the wreckage. The rescuers were unable to extricate them, on account of the wreckage catching fire. It blazed furiously, lighting up the darkness and driving back the workers.

Several passengers were burned to death, including two children whose mother was also seriously injured. Sir Arthur Douglas, who was imprisoned in a burning carriage, had a terrible experience. He was badly burned, and is in a critical state.

Many others suffered from burns, and were injured in other ways, a number seriously. One woman's hands were cut off.

The uninjured passengers joined in rescue work. Some recognised relatives among the killed and injured. One lady was bonified at the discovery of her dead husband. Rescuers saw a hand amidst the flames frantically but vainly beckoning for help. Thirteen bodies, mostly adults and including one woman, have been recovered, but they are unrecognisable. The driver and fireman had wonderful escapes. Many of the passengers were asleep at the time, and some narrow and exciting escapes are recorded.