Unusual Accident Stops Rail Traffic

Northern Advocate, 13 May 1940, Page 7

Unusual Accident Stops Rail Traffic

[Special to “Northern Advocate”]

PALMERSTON NORTH. This Day. Railway traffic on the Palmerston North-Wellington line via the Manawatu has been disrupted owing to extensive damage to the bridge which croses the Manawatu River at Longburn.

The damage was caused by a heavy logging tractor on a train which crossed the bridge at about 4 a.m. yesterday, working loose from its moorings in a truck just in front of the guard’s van. The train was one of about 600 tons, and the bridge superstructure was dealt smashing blows as the tractor travelled past each wooden girder. Some, although made of ironbark a foot in diameter, were broken, and others cracked or knocked out of position. Solid iron truss rods three inches in diameter were bent.

The train pulled up after it had crossed the bridge, and railway officials were amazed to find that there had had been no derailment, as each blow on the bridge must have had the effect of lifting the bogeys. The bending of the truss rods caused the track to lift a little, while at one spot the rail was bent. In the meantime no trains are using the bridge. Passengers are being taken by bus between Palmerston North and Linton.