A RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9138, 14 July 1908, Page 5

A RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

ENGINE AND CARRIAGE DERAILED.

A MIRACULOUS ESCAPE,

BT TaiiKGEAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION. HOKITIKA, July 13. The late passenger train from Greymouih on Saturday night ran into three bullocks on the line near Stafford station* "about six miles from town. Tlie engine and front carriage were derailed, and the engine travelled some distance, then toppled over on the line. The driver and the fireman had a wonderful escape, being caught under a heap of coal. The fireman was stunned and portion of his boot was taken off, but otherwise no injury was done to the men beyond shock and shaking. The engine wus? considerably damaged. The front carriage broke away' from the engine and went off the lino on the opposite side, capsizing into the bush. Ths Hokitika hockey team and other passengers were in the car, but all escaped with a few bruises and scratches. As the carriage toppled over, the light went out and then the steam from the engine poured in the carriage, and created a little confusion, but all were got out safely. The escape from a seriou3 fatality was most miraculous. The remainder of the train kept the line. A cyclist brought the first news to town, there being no means of telephoning for assistance, and drags were sent out for the passengers, who arrived about 2 a.m. A gang of men was put.on edrly in the morning to clear the line of wreckage, and was employed all day before everything was done. The carriage was very seriously damaged. There have been frequent- accidents on the line caused by running into straying cattle, but-this is the most serious and the narrowest escape yet experienced. There is a feeling that all the line should be securely fenced to prevent a recurrence of dangerous accdents of the nature now reported.