RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 7115, 5 September 1884, Page 5

RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

A GOODS TRAIN RUNS OFF THE LINE. As accident occurred last eveniDg to the down goods train from the Waikato, which, had it not been for the promptitude displayed by the engine-driver, might havo resulted in serious loss of lifo and damage to property. It appears that the ordinary afternoon goods train which leaves Hamilton for Auckland at two p.m. was on its way down, and had passed Rangiriri station all right, but when approaching tho loop line where the up and down Waikato passenger trains pass (a short distanco this Bide of Rangiriri) the engine-driver noticed that the points of tho lines were not properly fixed, and he at once shnt off steam, and by this means confiderably reducod the speed of the train. Notwithstanding this,_ however, the engine and tender ran off tho line, carrying away several of tho rails and sleepers. Assistance was at once telegraphed for to Mercer, and whilst waiting, endeavours were made to jack the engine and tender on to the line again, but owing to the scarcity of appliances, nothing could bo done. At about eight o'clock an engine came up from Mercer, and tho carriages were at once coupled on, and at about eleven p.m. the train reached Auckland, being nearly two hours late. It is expected that the wrecked engine and tender will be replaced od the line, and the repairs to tho permanent way finished to-day.