TRAIN LUGGAGE VAN DESTROYED.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 258, 22 March 1913, Page 4

TRAIN LUGGAGE VAN DESTROYED.

HEAVY LOSSES. By Telegraph—Press Association. Dannevirke, Thursday. An unusual occurrence of a fire in a luggagfe van took place this afternoon on the north-bound Napier mail train, a couple of miles on tlie Dannevirke side of Papatawa. Tlie van was an auxiliary at the rear of the train. On account of the holiday traffic it was filled with luggage, motor cycles, bicycles and luggage. The smoke was first noticed by a passenger, who informed tlie guard. The train was taken 'back to Papatawa in the hope of being able to extinguish the outbreak. By the time it got there it was red hot, and it was found impossible to approach tlie doors. The water supply was ineffective. The flames blazed until the contents were reduced to cinders and the van gutted. Several dogs in the box were smothered by the smoke. llow the fire occurred is difficult to say, as everything appeared safe when the luggage was put in at Woodville shortly before. The estimate of loss is impossible to sav, as there was no list of the contents. 1 * The only way of arriving at an estimate is by the passengers' claims 011 the Department. It is, however, undoubtedly heavy, as the van was crammed, and everything was destroyed. A 'bride on the train is reported to have lost all her wedding presents, while another passenger had nearly £2O in single notes in a bag destroyed. Many passengers were proceeding to Napier to participate in the competitions there, and many heavy losses of expensive clothing are reported. Fortunately the van destroyed was at. the rear of the train; otherwise more serious consequences might have been involved. The mails were in the van next the engine, and consequently were safe.