Railway Accident.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8198, 26 January 1906, Page 5

Railway Accident.

: Wangaaui Spedai Kuns off. Considerable Damage Done. (Per Press Association). WANGANUI, This day. A serious accident, fortunately unattended with loss of life or limb, occurred to t-lee excursion train returning to Wanganui from the Hawera Band Contest last night. The tram left Hawera with sixty excursionists at 10.15 p.m., reaching M.omohaki at 12.20 a.m. As the train slowed down approaching the platform the passengers experienced a heavy j-olt, and it was found that the engine was oft the line and three of the leading cars -were also derailed. The rails were bent and "spread" very badly. The occupants of the leading car had a narrow escape, and it is certain that but for the driver's prompt action in apph'ing the Wcstingkouse brake something serious would have happened. Two people- were sitting on the platform and were pTtclied off the car to the side of the track, while a lad had his leg grazed by the sharp end of a "point" rail which had pierced through the floor and seat of the car, curving round in front of the lad. The other occupants escaped with nothing worse than a fright. The accident was- probably caused by the car following the engine jumping the'points and running on the side of the- ferae Ik The engine was badly damaged. A pair of wheels and axles were wrenched off and were subsequently found under the middle of the leading car. The gravel and ballasting was ploughed up for a distance of 40 yards. A relief tram with a gang of men was sent from Wanganui, and arrived at 5 o'clock. The passengers eventually reached Wanganui at 6.20 a.m.