THE DERAILMENT

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 16, 30 October 1940, Page 2

THE DERAILMENT

TRAFFIC BACK TO NORMAL. TASK OF LIFTING ENGINE. (Per Press Association). AUCKLAND, October 29. Apart from speed restrictions on the temporary track at the scene of the derailment of the Limited Express near Mercer on Monday morning, trains are now running to normal schedule on the Main Trunk line. Workmen are at present engaged in preparations fqr the formidable task of lifting the K class locomotive back on to the line, and the new track is being laid so that the operation may be carried out without holding up through traffic.

The engine, which is 70 feet long and weighs nearly 140 tons, will be hoisted on to the line by two 40-ton steam, cranes, one of which has been brought from Wellington and the other from Auckland.

Investigations Were carried out today by railway officials at the scene of the accident. Mr G. J. Burtinshaw, chief engineer of the Railway Department, Mr P. R. Angus, locomotive superintendent, and Mr A. ’L. Smith, transportation superintendent, arrived at Mercer from Wellington this morning.

Messages from Auckland and Hamilton state that satisfactory progress is being made by the eight passengers who suffered injuries in the smash and w'ere later admitted to Auckland Hospital, and by the two admitted to the Waikato Hospital.

PUBLIC INQUIRY TO BE HELD. MINISTER’S STATEMENT. WELLINGTON October 29. Replying to-night to a question as to whether a public inquiry was to be held into the accident to the northbound Limited near Mercer yesterday morning, the Minister of Railways (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan) stated that such an inquiry would be made. The details of the order of reference and personnel of the commission of inquiry would be announced later.