Train Derailed by Flood

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 88, 15 April 1939, Page 5

Train Derailed by Flood

SERIOUS DISLOCATION OF SYDNEY-MELBOURNE LINK United Press Association.—-By Electrlo Telegraph-—-Cop yrlirht. Received Friday, 11.55 p.m. MELBOURNE, April 14. Derailed by flood water near Benalla, tho engine of a goods trains lying across the line delayed the southbound Sydney express to-day. The mishap occurred early this morning when the goods train entered a portion of the main north-cast line, the ballast of which was washed out by floods. As the train entered the damaged section of the track it collapsed. The engine rolled over and eight trucis were derailed. The flood waters are still swirling around the engine. It is impossible to establish the extent of the damage to the track. The Sydney express due to leave Albury with 440 passengers at 7.30 a.m. was held back, the passengers travelling by a round about route and arriving tonight Hi hours late. The fireman of the derailed goods train said the train encountered a terrific storm without warning. The engino turned over in pitch, darkness. He sat on the side of the engine until daylight, when the guard set out to tramp six miles to Benalla, where a warning was sent out. Efforts were made all day to clear the line but the Sydney expresses from Melbourne to* night were diverted via Tocummal, a longer route which will lengthen the journey by three hours.