THE OTOKO SMASH.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20432, 12 June 1928, Page 10

THE OTOKO SMASH.

FINDING OF INQUIRY. GUARD’S DISMISSAL RECOMMENDED. (Per United Press Association.) GISBORNE, June 11. The Departmental Board of Inquiry into the accident on May 18, when an engine crashed into stationary passenger cars on the Otoko-Rakaroa section of the Gisbornc-Motuhora raihvay, found that the guard in charge of the train failed to take the precautions prescribed by the regulations, namely, to place detonators on the line ahead and behind the stationary cars. The hoard recommended the dismissal of the guard. As the result of an accident which occurred about 8 o’clock on the night of M:fV 18, II passengers out of 23 who were travelling from Gisborne to Motuhora, received injuries mostly of a minor nature. The mishap was due to the heavy rain and consequent greasy nature of the rails. All went well as far as Otoko Hill, which has been the cause of frequent trouble to the Bailways Department. The train comprised four trucks laden with general merchandise, cars, etc., two passenger carriages, and a guard’s van. The engine driver made strenuous efforts for three-quarters of an hour to ascend the hill, and it was then decided to follow" the common practice, and divide the train. The engine, of the W2 class, drawing four trucks, reached the top of the hill and left the trucks there. It then descended for the carriages and guard's van. Coming down the hill again the wheels of the engine would not grip on the greasy rails, and, despite the fact that the driver applied his brakes, the engine crashed bunker first into the leading stationary carriage. It was a terrible, shock for the passengers, who were thrown in jumbled heaps about the carriage. The lights immediately went out, and the shrieking of women and children added to the general panic. A moment previously they had been chaffing one another about the long wait; the next moment all was confusion. Gradually order was restored, and the true state of affairs was revealed. Fortunately for the passengers the brakes of the carriages had been securely locked, and they held against the strain of the engine's crash. Had the brakes given way —since the smash occurred some distance up the hill —the carriages would have been swept downhill, and probably jumped the rails, bringing about a far more terrible smash. The guard on the train was A. F. Bird, and the driver B. J. Ponberthy.