A NARIIOW ESCAPE

Grey River Argus, 30 March 1906, Page 4

A NARIIOW ESCAPE

A RAILWAY ACCIDENT AVERTED

The Westinghouse air-brake and the presence of mind of the enginedriver saved the north train on March 24th from a serious collision at Kaiapoi station. By some neglect the points on the main line, right opposite the passenger platform, had been left open after the carriages of the Eyreton branch line train had been sunted from the platform; and the carriages were, as usual, left standing about a chain along he loop line below the points. The train from the north, which, as usual on Saturdays, was a long a heavy one, was running, into the station at a speed of eight or ten miles an hour when the engine swerved, on to the loop-line. The engine driver (C. Smith) promptly applied the air-brake, and brought the train up with the locomotive within a few yards of the standing 'train. The passengers on the train felt the brake go on,. but they suffered no inconvenience from the shock, and very few were, aware how near they were to a serious accident. The vigilance and presence of mind of enginedriver Smith are deserving of the highest commendation.