RAIL MISHAP CAUSED BY FLOODS
ENGINE ACROSS LINE HOLDS UP EXPRESSES (U.P.A.—By Electric Telegraph— Copyright) MELBOURNE, 14th April. Derailed by floodwater near Benalla, the engine of a goods train 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-east line, the ballast of which had been washed out by floods. As the train entered the damaged section the track collapsed and the engine rolled over. Eight trucks were derailed. Floodwaters are still swirling round the engine and it is impossible to establish the extent of the damage to the track.
The Sydney express which was due to leave Albury with 440 passengers at 7.30 a.m. was held back. The passengers, travelling by a roundabout route, arrived to-night 11J hours late.
The fireman of the derailed goods train said that the train encountered a terrific storm. Without warning the engine turned over in pitch darkness. He sat on the side of the engine till 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 Tocumwal, a longer route which will lengthen the journey by three hours.
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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 15 April 1939, Page 2
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219RAIL MISHAP CAUSED BY FLOODS Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 15 April 1939, Page 2
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