Derailed waggons close Coast line

Press, 25 January 1989, Page 8

Derailed waggons close Coast line

The West Coast railway line between Ngakawau and Inangahua was closed yesterday after a train derailment near Inan-

gahua. Six waggons carrying 50 tonnes of coal each were derailed in the incident. The remaining seven car-

riages stayed on the line. The accident happened at 3.30 p.m. while the train was carrying a consignment of coal to Lyttelton.

The area traffic manager for the Railways Corporation, Mr Don Johnson, said an investigation would be held. It is the second derailment in three months. The previous derailment was

caused by a heat buckle in the line. About 200 metres of trank was damaged in the detriment.

Mr Johnson said the line was expected to be closed until late today to allow the carriages to be shifted and repairs made

to the track. He said the line closing would not affect the Tranz-Alpine passenger service.

The Silver Fem railcar, with 84 people on board, derailed at Tangiwai near Wanganui yesterday after slicing through a truckend and trailer unit.

The spectacular accident closed the North Island’s main trunk line overnight. None of the people on board was badly injured, although five had to be treated for shock.

Six fire engines from throughout the Wanganui district rushed to the railwhen news of the 2.10 tJf P-m. crash came through.