OPAPA DISASTER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19328, 15 May 1926, Page 13

OPAPA DISASTER.

/ findings of commission. SPEED AND MISCONDUCT. GAS LIGHTING A MENACE. EASIER CURVES RECOMMENDED. [fiV TEt.EGRAI'H. —OWN CORRESPONDENT. ] ! WELLINGTON. Friday. . 'I 1m- report of the commission. consist - in- of Messrs, W. (i. Kiddell. S.M. (chairman). .J. Marehbauks :ind W. P. / Hunt, \\ hich was sot up to inquire into the cause of the derailment of tin: Well-ington-Napier express train near Opapa • station <m September 22, 1925. was ioleased for publication to-day by the Prime Minister and .Minister of Hailways, .Mr. ("miles. In minimise the ri.sk of fires from gas escaping as. (lie result of train accidents (lie commission urges that the equipment I i,»t" express train carriages with electric] lighting be expedited. Hie commissioners report that villi] regard to the question of speed and other factors they are satisfied to accept tlie conclusions arrived at by Professor H. J. Scott, late professor of engineering at Canterbury College, who examined the damaged locomotive, permanent way and track in proximity to the accident. Tnosc conclusions were:— 1. That the locomotive was in iivstclass running order, and to no defect in upkeep can the derailment be attributed. 2. That the track was substantial in character and in excellent order. 3. That 25 miles per hour, the limiting fpeed on this portion of track, was a safe speed for the train, as constituted. 4. That oscillation primarily set up by the varying curvature of the track, together with the lateral thrust upon the bogie wheels, might readily prove a source of danger at speeds exceeding .33 miles an hour.' which are considered (he extreme limit of safe speed for an "A engine over this portion of the (rack. Excessive Speed of Train. 5. That the position of the wreck indicates that at the moment of derailment (he train was .travelling at the rate of at least 40 miles per hour. The cause of the derailment, the report states, was excessive speed due to the euginedriver failing to take precautions to reduce speed when approaching (he curves near which the derailment took place, in accordance with regulations which are issued to enginedi ivers and others. The presence of a third person on the engine, and the taking of liquor on to the engine by that person during tho journey, were factors which helped to bring about the derailment.

. The commissioners are satisfied that the present curves on the grade where the derailment occurred can be safely negotiated bv all trains, if the maximum speed of 25 miles per hour fixed by the regulations is not exceeded.

The fact that five of the carriages were destroyed by fire which started immediately after the accident leads the commissioners to believe that the file was occasioned l.v the escape of gas liberated bv the rupture of the cylinders and their connections. This gas would he quickly ifruited from the locomotive firebox, and it is ("ear. they say. that, the derailment, serious as it was. might have been much move disastrous in its consequences. In view of that fact they recommend that the equipment of express train carriages -tvith electric lighting be completed as speedily as ■'possible. Improvement of Curves. / it is recommended that the department investigate the possibility of_ in proving the curvature of the line at tne scene of the derailment liv slightly altering its location, and that the department consider the advisability of increasing the maximum super elevation now ruling on curves with the view of ziving greater safety in running and providing .ncreaseJ comfort to passengers. The commissioners are of opinion tliat the reduced time allowed on the run between Wellington and Napier ns compared with the time taken prior to March. 1. 2b, did not affect, the safe running of the train. ~ "It clear from the evidence, says I the report, "that the difference is mainly made up of time saved by the elimination of nineteen stops at small stations between the terminal points and reducing the time allowing for stops at certain other stations. On no part of the run is the .maximum speed per hour allowed under the earlier time-table increased, and the speed restriction of twenty-five miles per hour at the curve on "which the ticrailment occurred is that which has obtained for,many years past." Supplying Liquor a Crime. With regard to the taking of liquor on to railwav engines the commission says that in addition to the regulations for disciplining trainmen guilty of misconduct t thev think it should be made a statutory offence punishable by fine or imprisonment for any person to place intoxicating liquor in the possession of, or offer liquor for consumption. to any trainman while ori duty. Taking into consideration the number of enginedrivers and trainsmen daily employed by the department. and the few cases of misconduct connected with liquor, the commissioners are of opinion from this and their other inquiries in the matter that the occurrence was the result of unusual cir-

ctimstances. The disaster, however, points to tlie necessity of all enginedrivers and trainsmen being strictly sober and trustworthy officers who recognise their responsibilities riot oniv t'i fbe department but also to the public. The commissioners thank Mr. M. Myers, K.C.. counsel for the Railway Department. and Mr. M. Denneby, secretary to

the commission, 'for their assistance in I the conduct of the inquiry, also all witnesses who gave evidence at the hear-

'I lie f'j itne Minister stated to-day that - the recommendations "f 'be commission are under consideration and that, some have alreadj been put into effect.