FATAL RAILWAY ACCIDENT NEAR MELBOURNE. [REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.]

Waikato Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1626, 5 December 1882, Page 3

FATAL RAILWAY ACCIDENT NEAR MELBOURNE. [REUTERS TELEGRAMS.]

[Received December 3, 11 a.m.] Melbourne 1 , December 2. A shockino railway accident occurred at 6.30 this evening on the Melbourne and Hawthorn railway line. A special train returning from a land sale at Vauxhall, passed Hawthorn station without and when it had turned the (J&rner of Richmond Park came into h collision with a train from Melbourne to Hawthorn, travelling on the same Hue of rails at a speed of 20 miles an hour. The engine of the Melbourne train was driven through a first-class carriage next it, which it completely telescoped, the engine penetrating the greater portion of the vehicle. The second and third carriages of the Hawthorn train were likewise telescoped, the wheels of one carriage resting on the seats of the other. There were many passengers in the trains at the time of the collision, and 20 to 30 are injured, several very badly, and the case of some is deemed hopeless. So far as it is at present known, however, uone were killed outright, [Received December 3, 0 p.m.] Mkldoukxe, December 3. Particulars received regarding the i - ailWay collision last evening show that two carriages in each train were complctly smashed up. The engine of the train from Melbourne was driven right through the next carriage. The scene at the accident was most distresing. Several of the passengers were extricated from the wrecked carriages with extreme difficulty. Many of the injured were fearfully cut about the head, and several have broken legs, arms and ribs, and internal and spinal injuries. The total known to be injured is nearly thirty. Nine of the sufferers are now in t Melbourne Hospital, and several are the Albert Hospital. .So far as is twiown no prominent citizens have been hurt. The accident is attributed to the special train from Vauxhall passing Hawthorn •without stopping to allow the other from Melbourne to pass. There is great excitement in town over the catastiophe, and the Melbourne newspaper offices are crow ded with people anxious for news. < t , Later. According to the latest information, Mr Thomas has died from the effects of injuries received, and Mr Ross is in a hopeless condition.