RAILWAY MISHAP.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 12 May 1925, Page 4

RAILWAY MISHAP.

WAGON’S REMARKABLE JOURNEY. FURTHER PARTICULARS. Further details in connection with the railway mishap at Norfolk road station yesterday attract greater attention to th© remarkable journey made by the derailed wagon which, eventually broke up the train at a point about a mile and a' half away from where the accident occurred. It is stated that the trailing pair of wheels on one of the single bogie meat wagons, about 10 trucks from the engine, left the rails at the point where the railway line crosses the Mountain road at Rugby road; and from there on to the Norfolk road station the marks were plainly visible along the permanent way. The sleepers were badly dented, and the bolts of the plates connecting each pair of rails were cleanly cut off. On its journey the .wagon safely negotiated, the cattle stop at , Rugby road, two bridges, one a fairly large* one over the Alangamawhiti stream, and two sets of cattle stops on either side of the Norfolk road. When the wagon, reached the siding at the Norfolk station the wheels started to follow alongside the rails of the siding, with the result that the draw-bar broke and the wagon fell towards the concrete platform. The two following trucks, which were meat vans, were then derailed. The one immediately behind the derailed truck ■fell outwards and burst open, its contents, consisting of bags of beef, being scattered about. The next truck turned on an” angle, • and although it did not capsize tore up the sleepers 'and spread the rails. Two other trucks were slightly damaged, but the three previously mentioned were the only ones to suffer to any extent. Fortunately the accident did not involve the passengers, who were well remdved from the seat of the trouble. '

The majority of the passengers proceeded to New Plymouth by passing service care, two women passengers only remaining and reaching New Plymouth at 2 o’clock by a relief train. The work of clearing the line was expeditiously proceeded with, and the 4.35 p.m. train from New Plymouth passed in safety. A