ONGARUE DISASTER.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2607, 17 July 1923, Page 3

ONGARUE DISASTER.

OFFICIAL INQUIRY BEGUN,

THREE POINTS TO DECIDE

Wellington, Last Night

The official inquiry into the Ongame disaster lias opened. The Board is charged to inquire:—(1) What was the cause of derailment? (2) Was any employee in the service of the Railway Department guilty of any dereliction of duty which directly or indirectly contributed to such derailment? (3) Generally, are there any circumstances in connection with the derailment which call for comment, more particularly what steps, if any, might tie introduced to prevent the occurrence of a similar accident? Mr H. H. Sterling, solicitor to the Railway Department, in opening the case, remarked that the accident, he believed was without precedent in the history of the railways of New Zealand. It was proposed to call certain evidence on behalf of the Department, in order that the Board might fully understand all matters which would be brought under its notice. The Department desired to assist' the Board to the utmost of its power in conducting an investigation on behalf of the General Manager. The Department, took the opportunity of expressing sympathy with the'bereaved and with those who had been injured. The evidence of the detectives who were travelling in the train, was that everything possible was done, and though more tools could have been used, there were ample for the work after the accident occurred. Officials stated that the incident could not have been foreseen. Heavy rains had caused a slip and a boulder became dislodged. It could not liave been seen on account of the bend in the cutting. The Board adjourned to Taumarunui to inspect the scene, the locality, and to take further evidence, after which it will return to Wellington.