A RAILWAY VAN BLOWN OFF THE LINE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1291, 26 November 1896, Page 19

A RAILWAY VAN BLOWN OFF THE LINE.

What might have been a serious mishap occurred to the morning train from the Wairarapa to Wellington last week. A very heavy north-west gale was blowing over the ranges, and the wind was coming down the gorges with extraordinary force, driving" pieces of stone and gravel against the sides of the carriages. When the train had reached the bend just outside the second tunnel from the Summit the wind rushed down the gorge with such terrific force that it lifted a van which was the last but one car attached to the train, clean off the rails. No doubt the heavy train in front and the grip van at the rear prevented it from being blown on its side. It was close to this very place where the accident occurred some 15 years ago, when two carriages were blown over and precipitated down into the valley below. The carriages were then of a much lighter build, and were consequently more liable to be derailed. Furthermore, at that time the engines did not haul the carriages, but pushed thern along, which practice experience has taught was not conducive to safety. ~ , Immediately on the accident occurring the guard telephoned for assistance. It might be here mentioned that the guard s vans are provided with telephones, which can be connected in a few seconds with a wire running from Cross Creek to the Summit. In about ten minutes after the van was derailed the authorities in Wellington had particulars of the accident.

An engine and a number of men were sent up from Cross Creek to the scene of the accident, and, after little mere than an hour's work, the train was able to resume its journey, arriving in Wellington about an hour and a quarter behind time.