Waggons derailed near Waimate

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34097, 8 March 1976, Page 1

Waggons derailed near Waimate

*From Out O?rn Reporter j TIMARU. March 7. Fourteen waggons were derailed on the Main I rank line fixe miles from \\ aimate about 7.4(1 p.m. on Saturday .

The train, which comprised an engine and 22 waggons, was proceeding north from Oamaru and had crossed Half Chain Road, between Willowbridge and Studholme stations, when rolling stock left the track, leaving a tangle of wreckage st rev n over three chains of railuayleased land. The waggons contained mainly household furniture and coal and coke. Neither the engine driver, nor the locomotive assistant, nor the guard on the train was injured in the derailment. Landowners, who were soon at the scene lr d heard a “loud thud” as the back section of the train jackknifed. It is believed that an airhose fault appliet" the brakes at the front of the train. The inspector of permanent way at Timaru (Mr L. T. Walden! said that some of the waggons could be repaired Repair gangs worked throughout the day ,n an attempt to have the lines replaced by 7 p.m.

At first light, the scene was one of devastation. Two box waggons loaded [with household effects con- [ signed to Stratford, lay towards the fence line, their I sides smashed, with gaping | holes. There was one 43ft flat-top on the track. A second flat-top lav off the track on its side. Another two waggons were overturned. their couplings fractured, with sides dented and [peppered with holes. Although one new wa"pon was comparatively undamaged, several emptv trucks, [which lay sprawled across [the line, were damaged beyond repair. A box waggon containing meat had also been derailed. The engine travelled to Studholme after the derailment. This morning an engine was brought from Oamaru to haul the undamaged rolling stock away from the area to enable the track to be cleared. By mid momma. 16 waggons (including three waggons of coal that had been upended) had been pushed clear.