Men work hard to clear line

Press, 29 December 1980, Page 2

Men work hard to clear line

PA .Wanganui The direct rail link between Wanganui and Taranaki might be reopened today after feverish activity at a derailment site. . near Kakaramea, a few kilometres north of Patea, since an accident on Friday. Alternative access to Taranaki is available through Taumarunui and Stratford. . When, a special Jsgoods train, headed by two 75tonne locomotives, Sit; a washout, both locomotives and one waggon tumbled down a 10m bank. Five other waggons and a guard’s van left the rails but stayed upright.

The train carried containers of meat bound for New Plymouth. . ; The washout' is in. a cutting which is not thtffTglft- tb have given troublq^Lthe past. ? i The acting district 'traffic manager, Mr W. -J. Holloway, said yesterday that most of the meat was recovered by early afternoon and

would be taken by truck to New Plymouth. A 60-tonne crane from Hamilton was used to put the waggons back on the track yesterday.

Mr Holloway said that when this task was completed, the Railways’ team would be able to concentrate on the construction of a deviation round the washout to reopen the line. “We expect then -to lift out the locomotives on Tuesday or Wednesday, alt "going well. We will probably- get in another crane from - the southern side,” Mr Holloway said.

The driver of the leading locomotive, Mr L. E. Short, of Turakina. is counting, his blessings for his escape from serious injury. He said yesterday that he ■priority" to buying a couple of, lottery, tickets “in., recognition” of i’the escape" by himself, the fireman, Mr D. Palamduntain. and the guard, Mr G. Herbert. Mr Short was treated briefly at Patea Hospital for ’minor leg injuries.