A Runaway Train.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 8, Issue 26, 29 March 1907, Page 5

A Runaway Train.

EXCITEMENT AT LYTTELTON. Christchurch, March 26. At about G o’clock to-night the first express from the South, with a large number of passengers, was running down the wharf alongside the Mararoa, which was about to leave for Wellington. Instead of pulling up at the usual place the engine ran over the end of the rails, crossed the traverses, ploughed across the timber, knocked the rails beyond the traverser out of place, knocked the stop-block into the sea, and plunged more than half her length over the end of the wharf. There the engine remanded stationary, resting on the fire-box, bogie, and four wheels, The cowcatcher, cylinders, driving and eccentric rods, and all the gear under the boiler dropped into the sea. The train stopped with a terrific jerk, and the passengers tumbled out much alarmed, but nobody was injured. The Mararoa was delayed for over an hour in consequence of the damaged train blocking another train which contained more passengers. _____