THE SYDNEY RAILWAY DISASTER.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume IX, Issue 2631, 24 June 1887, Page 2

THE SYDNEY RAILWAY DISASTER.

Sydney, June 22, appears to have gone smoothly until reaching Ryde, bat from that point it was found that the engine was'insufficient to draw the train of nine carraiges up the steep gradients, A portion of the train was detached,,, and -.the two sections, were reunited at Hornby, -The train was a little late by this delayal and proceeded towards Peat's Ferry at an increased speed. Thevtrain rushed through the tunnel towards the incline, which leads right to the river's brink. Suddenly there was a great increase]of speed. On emerging from the tunnel the driver appeared to have lost all control, and sounded the whistle continuously. The train oscillated violently, and the passengers were alarmed as the paco became terrific, A dis*stor seemed now inevitable, aud it is said the driver made an attempt to avert utter ruin by .reversing the engine, but it was too late. Before the train reached Peat's Station, however, the pointsman rushed to the points, and holding to them bravely, managed to throw tho train on to a siding on -which was two contractor's trucks and engine, The fireman was not' mubh .injured, being thrown/into the water. The part ot the embankment whero the train wont ovor was about 13ft above high water, and tho depth of the water was 12ft. The wreoked engine was completely fitted with brakes, whi6h wero applied, and it is supposed that the rate of speed, and the braking on the gradients heated the brakes bo that they would not act. The bodies of the killed were much mutilated. Many of the excursionists were young people engaged in variois businesses in the city. Everything possible was done to alleviate the Bufferings, William Ronnie, manager for Messrs Amos & Co., jumped from tho train, and was killed. Some of the injuries are of a serious character. Late%'>y _ The subject of the accident- ; watt discussed in the Legislative Asfoinbly to-day.; A Board of Inquiry commencesi Star investigation $/biorrbw. Those injured are progressing favorably. ; • C-' '