Blown Off the Line.

Hastings Standard, Issue 178, 23 November 1896, Page 4

Blown Off the Line.

What might have been a serious mishap occurred to Friday morning's Wairarapa train tojWellington. A very heavy mirth-west gale was blowing over the ranges, and the wind was coiiiitig down the gorges with extraordinary force, driving pieces of stone and gravel against the sides of the carriages. When the train had reached the bend just outride the second tuiinel from th" Summit the wind rush"d down the gorge with such terrific force that it lifted a van which was the last but one tvr attached to the train, el an off the rails. No doubt the heavy train in front and the grip van at the rear prevented it from being blown on its side. It was close to this very place where the accident occurred some 1 5 years ago, when two carriages were blown over and precipitated down into the valley below. The carriages were then of a much lighter build, and were consequently more liable to be derailed. Futbermore, at jthat time the engines did not haul the carriages, but pushed them along, which practice experience has taught was not conducive to safety. Immediately on the accident occurring the guard telephoned for assistance. It might be here mentioned that the guard's vans are provided with telephones, which can be connected in a few seconds with a wire running from Cross Creek to the Summit. In about ten minutes after the van was deraih-d the authorities in Wellington had particulars of the accident. An engine and a number of men were sent up from Cross Creek to the scene of the accident, and, after little more than an hour's work, the train was a hi" to resume its journey, arriving in Wellington about an hour and a quarter behind time.—N.Z. Times.