Locomotive Hits Gang Working On Main Line

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29245, 1 July 1960, Page 12

Locomotive Hits Gang Working On Main Line

NEW PLYMOUTH, June 30. Two railway workers were killed and two others seriously injured when they were hit by a light locomotive on ' the ■ main New PlymouthWellington tine about three miles south of the Lepperton Railway Station at 10 a.m. today. Those killed were Charles Mallett, aged 45, of 47 Racroft street, Waitara. married, a railway surfaceman; and James Thomas Douglas Robert-, son, aged 49, of Sentry Hill, Leperton, married, a railway surfaceman The Injured men, Frank Hanright, aged 34, of Mountain road. Lepperton, married, a ganger, and Peter Bruce Smith, aged 23. of Lepperton, single, a railway surfaceman, were rushed to New Plymouth Hospital. Tonight Mr Hanright was on the seriously ill list. Mr Smith's condition was reported to be satisfactory. The four men were part of a maintenance gang of five. The fifth member of the gang, Mr T. Simpson, married, of Waitara, received severe shock, but escaped injury. ' . The engine passed through the Lepperton station at 9.43 ajn. on its way from New Plymouth to Stratford. About three miles south of the station the maintenance gang was working on the track with shovels and spades. ■ ‘ When the engine approached them at 25 miles an hour, the driver gave several blasts on the whistle. But the gale-force south-easterly winds evidently prevented the men from being warned of • the ■ approaching engine The driver immediately applied the engine’s brakes, but the engine skidded about 50 yards and struck the men Mr Simpson shouted a warning to the others before he flung himself clear of the tracks. The engine dragged Messrs

(New Zealand Press Association)

Robertson and Mallett about 20 yards along the track, while Messrs Hanright and Smith were thrown clear. Officers at Lepperton Station immediately informed the police and ambulances raced to the scene. Mr Simpson was taken home dazed with shock. Later Sergeant B. Kelly, of New Plymouth, and Constables C. Kavanagh. T. E. Doughty, D Smart and police photographer T. Young made investigations along the sand-covered railway tracks.

After a delay of about an hour the engine continued its run to Stratford.

Minister’s Call For Inquiry

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, June 30. The- Minister of Railways. Mr Moohan, today expressed his personal regret at the unfortunate railway accident at Lepperton - Which resulted in the death of two railwaymen and in two others being seriously injured. “Prelfininary reports of the accident are being obtained,” said Mr Moohan. “The accident will, of course, be fully