OPAPA RAILWAY DISASTER.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3036, 15 May 1926, Page 2

OPAPA RAILWAY DISASTER.

DUE TO EXCESSIVE SPEED.

Wellington, May 14. The report of the Opapa Railway Disaster Commission was released to-day. The Commission finds that the locomotive and track were in firstclass running order. The regulation speed of twenty-five miles an hour on that portion of the track was safe and the extreme safe limit for that type of engine was 33 miles, but the position of the wreck indicated that the speed was 40 miles. The report finds the derailment was due to excessive speed, the result of the driver failing to take precautions to reduce speed when ru; wenching the curves. The presence of a third person on the engine and the taking of liquor nil the engine by that person were contributing factors. The Commission recommends as a means of averting fire danger from gas in railway accidents, that the equipment of express carriages with electric lighting he expedited, also increasing the super-elevation oT rails on curves to increase safely and comfort. The opinion is expressed that the reduction of time between Wellington and Napier did not affect: safety. Regarding liquor, the Commission suggests it be made a statutory offence, punishable by fine or imprisonment, to offer liquor to any railway employee while on duty.

Mr. Coates says the recommendations are Tinder consideration and some are already in effect.