TRAM-CARS COLLIDE AT CHRISTCHURCH

Evening Post, Volume XCIV, Issue 38, 14 August 1917, Page 8

TRAM-CARS COLLIDE AT CHRISTCHURCH

One of the heaviest head-on collisions which the Christohuroh tramways service Jvas known for a number of years. occurred at Monck's Bay yesterday morning. As a result, a. motorman had a very narrow escape from death, several passengers were frightened, and two tramcars were put out of action. The accident arose through a special car being on the Sumner-Christchuroh line, and it is contended that a contributing- factor woe tho absence of efficient brakes on certain trailers. The number of the special car was 13. ■ The Sun reports that the repair gang sent to the scene found that tho electric cars were interlocked and one of the trailers had boon, damaged and derailed by the force of the collision^ All the couplings of the cara were badly broken or bent, the speed gear and wheel brake of one car had been completely wrecked. Tho Christohurch-Sumner service was disorganised for about* an hour and a half, until" the repair gang had cleared the line. An official statement from the Tramways i Board office Tega.rding the collision is to the effect that this section of the line is ]>rotected by. an automatic "Nachod" signalling apparatus which was in perfect order at the time of the trouble. It is apparent, proceeds the>, statement^ that one of the motormen overran his signal and assumed that the line was clear. Both motormen have been suspended, end an enquiry is being held by the tramway authorities. ■