OUTBREAK OF FIRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23690, 23 December 1938, Page 7

OUTBREAK OF FIRE

RAILWAY SIGNAL BOX DAMAGED TRAIN SERVICES HELD UP UNUSUAL EXPERIENCE AT AUCKLAND (Per United Press Association) AUCKLAND, Dec 22. An outbreak of fire in the automatic signal box almost underneath the Gladstone road overbridge delayed the departure of two expresses for Wellington, and temporarily suspended shunting operations in the Auckland railway yards to-night Although not extensive, the damage interfered with the signalling and the points system and temporary expedients had to be adopted before the trains could leave the platform The fire was noticed at 7 o’clock. 15 minutes before the limited express was scheduled to leave With the holiday traffic nearing its height, hundreds of people were awaiting the departure of the two trains, but comparatively few were aware of the clouds of smoke rising from the signal box several hundred yards further down the line. Members of the yard staff suppressed the outbreak before the arrival of three fire engines from the Central and Parnell stations.

The fusing of a cable was the cause of the fire, which placed a large portion of the signalling system out of commission. Some of the instruments in the box were disabled, and sections of the wiring and flooring were also damaged. The effects of the disruption were transmitted to the second signal box controlling the main line, on which the expresses were to travel. With all signal lights showing red, traffic in the yards was at a standstill, and it was necessary for the points to be changed by hand before the limited express could leave the station at 7.29 p.m. The second express was also delayed for about 10 minutes.

Repairs to the damaged equipment were commenced by a staff of electricians, and temporary measures were adopted to operate the points and enable the normal services to be maintained.