TRAIN BREAKS IN TWO

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 863, 6 January 1930, Page 1

TRAIN BREAKS IN TWO

MISHAP TO SUNDAY’S EXPRESS ATTENDANT SLIGHTLY INJURED The second express which left Auckland for Wellington at 7.40 o'clock on Sunday evening broke in the centre when the train was about to enter the Parnell tunnel. The train, which consisted of 18 carriages and a van, carried about 850 passengers. When it was climbing the long hill to the entrance of the Parnell tunnel it came to a sudden halt. The engine driver realised that a coupling had broken, and on investigation found that ten carriages and a van had parted through the snapping of a coupling block and side chains, being drawn up only a short distance behind the frdnt of the train. The automatic application of the Westing house brakes brought both sections of the train to a standstill immediately. The mishap was followed by a slight accident to Mr. T. H. Blake, who fell on a culvert bridge while trying to get passengers to return to their seats. He was brought back to the City by train and removed to the hospital by the St. John Ambulance. After receiving attention he w as able to leave for home. ENGINE SENT OUT * The accident to the express was reported to Auckland and an engins was sent out to bring in the back portion, the front part following shortly afterward. Two new carriages were then added to the express, which left for the South at 9.55 p.m. Outward suburban traffic was held up for a short time outside the tunnel. but there were no serious delays. The extra express which was to have followed the second express at 8.40 was delayed while repairs were carried out. To allow a distance lor safety it was 10.15 before the third train drew out with 450 passengers.