TRAIN MISHAP

Hokitika Guardian, 23 May 1933, Page 3

TRAIN MISHAP

VAN 'STRUCK BY BRIDGE BEAM

GUARD HAS NARROW, ESCAPE,

PALMERSTON NORTH May 20

A narrow escape was experienced by Mr F. Bicknell, guard in charge of a goods train bound lor Palmerston North, at. an early hour this morning. .•

The train was passing over a railway bridge: at Kakariki when a beam which had apparently been loosened by vibration' struck the front end of the guard’s van. All the iron stanchions su; porting the, roof were, torn loose and, the woodwork and a window on e (J ao side were smashed to matchwood. ■Fortunately Mr Bicknell was writing at a desk on the opposite side of the van, and although the debris was scattered nil round him, even chinping the top of the desk, he escaped unharmed. Knowing that the limited express from Auckland was following, the guard. brop&ht the train to a stop at Hklcdmbe dfid advised the staff, members of which where quickly on the scene. The train was brought to Palmerston North, the express being held up while the obstruction was cleared.