MISHAP TO EXPRESS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 260, 1 October 1936, Page 14

MISHAP TO EXPRESS

ENGINE DERAILED. SOUTHERN MAIN TRUNK. Per Press Association. DUNEDIN, Sept. 30. For the first time for a considerable period of years a mishap of a serious nature occurred on the main line between Oamaru and Dunedin this afternoon, when the engine of the first express from the north was completely derailed at Evansdale station. The express was proceeding at about 25 miles per hour when the leading bogey wheels loft the rails and the engine ploughed a trench at the side of the permanent way before coming to rest on its side. Due to the prompt application of the Westinghouse brakes, the train was slowed right down, and even the leading coach remained in a vertical position and was little damaged. The engine crew and passengers alike had a lucky escape from injury, and tho latter were scarcely aware that anything untoward had Happened nntif they saw the derailed engine. The department hopes to have the line clear for traffic to-morrow morning. On their way to bring the mail bags stranded at Evansdale two postal officials received injuries which necessitated their removal to the Dunedin Hospital. Mr William Whinray,' postal supervisor at Dunedin, received concussion and head abrasions and Mr Robert McConnell received a fracture of the left leg.