Big Slip On N.I. Main Trunk Derails Goods Train

Press, Volume C, Issue 29623, 20 September 1961, Page 14

Big Slip On N.I. Main Trunk Derails Goods Train

(NJZ. Press Assuciat-ion) WELLINGTON, September 19. An army of railwaymen will work throughout tonight to clear a slip on the main trunk line near Paekakariki, which derailed a 38-waggon goods train at 5 p.m. today. The heavy electric engine and most of the laden waggons were flung off the line when the train rammed the big pile of rubble.

The slip occurred about half a mile north of the Pukerua Bay hill and three to four miles south of Paekakariki.

The engine came to rest at 90 degrees to the track and overhanging a 100 ft cliff Which borders the Main North road. Tons of rubble crashed over the railway line, down the cliff and on to the road, making driving hazardous Radio broadcasts tonight warned motorists of the danger. Police and traffic officers will patrol the area until early tomorrow morning.

The engine driver, the sole occupant of the locomotive, was unhurt. Several bulldozers were taken to the slip about 10 p.m. and railway officials hope to have the track cleared by early tomorrow morning. A heavy-duty

crane was brought to replace the engine on the track. Tonight's Wellington-Auck-land Limited Express was diverted through Wairarapa. Rail passengers were taken around the slip area by Railways buses and little disruption to services was reported.