TRAIN WRECK CLEARED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22572, 27 February 1948, Page 6

TRAIN WRECK CLEARED

"SALVAGE MIRACLES PERFORMED ALL VICTIMS NOW IDENTIFIED NO PRAISE TOO HIGH FOR HELP GIVEN (P.A.) BLENHEIM, Feb. 27. By the aid of modern equipment, which included a 40-ton crane on a special breakdown train, bulldozers and tractors, the litter of wreckage where the South Island Main Trunk express was derailed on Wednesday has now been cleared. This was accomplished early yesterday afternoon and today normal services on the Main Trunk line are to be resumed. Since the first bulldozers and tractors were requisitioned and with the arrival of the breakdown train from Christchurch miracles of salvage have been performed at the cutting where the disaster occurred. More than 59 men worked all night under acetylene flares at the tremendous task of cutting the twisted debris clear of the lines.

1 As each section was cut. apart tlie Tig crane lifted it. clear and early yesterday there remained only one carriage to be removed. B> 2to yesterday afternoon the line wii again operable and the first train tc pass over the section was a heavily laden goods train with a perishable cargo from Blenheim to Christchurch. Soon afterwards a goods train from Kaikoura to Blenheim passed through. Engine Still At Crazy Angle The only reminder of the dismal scene which the cutting presented on Wednesday is the engine of the ill-lated train. This is still at a crazy angle, but is resting against a bank well clear of the line. It is expected that an attempt will be made to lift it during the week-end, which will necessitate the return of the breakdown equipment from Kaikoura to which station it was left after the line was reopened yesterday afternoon. In the time which has now elapsed since the disaster occurred much of the accompanying confusion has been cleared. All of those killed have now been identified, and the Wairau Hospital at Blenheim reports no notable change in the condition of the injured. Today it is likely that classifications will be possible as to those suffering serious or minor iniuries. The time required for this classification illustrates the immense difficulties under which the understaffed hospital has been working No praise is too high for the devotion to duty displayed by the hospital doctors end staff, many of whom were on their feet from early Wednesday afternoon till early yesterday morning. Not the least notable of many outstanding examples was that of the medical superintendent. Dr. T Julian. Experts Prepare For Inquiry. The ncting-Minister of Railways, Mr. F. Hackett, said yesterday that skilled technical experts had been at the scene since Wednesday collecting details that would be necessary for the inquiry. Mr. Hackett added: “Wor-'* cannot express the appreciation of tV.* Prime Minister, Mr. P. Fraser, and the Government of the services given by everybody at the accident. This applies especially to nearby settlers who provided food, blankets, sheets and bandages even before any request was made." Mr. Hackett nad a special word of appreciation for the doctors, nurses and staff of the hospital and for those who made conveyances available to bring the injured to Blenheim. It was a remarkable demonstration of what a community would do in an emergency. He added that nobody had spared time, effort or expense in giving whatever assistance was within their power.