THE RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XIV, Issue 4896, 23 June 1887, Page 2

THE RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

FURTHER DETAILS.

Sydney, to-day. As soon as the news of the accident came to hand relief trains with doctors were despatched to Peat's Ferry. Tho driver, Wilson, fell under the engine and was buried in the river mud. The fireman had a miraculous escape. Three persons died almost instantaneously, and two other? succumbed during the night. The wounded were brought to Sydney, some of them being admitted to the hospital, while others were tiken to their own homes. Had it nub been for the presence of mind of the pointsman the whole train would have run into the river, and the result would have been disastrous beyond contemplation. Later. Everything appeared to go on smoothly until reaching Ryde, but from that place it was found that the engine was insufficient to draw tho train and nine carriages up the steep grade. A portion of the train was then detached, and the two sections reunited at Hornby. The train was a little late by this delay, and proceeded towards Peat's Ferry at an increased speed. The train rushed through the tunnel towards the incline, which leads right to the river bunk, when suddenly th9re was a general increase of speed, and on emerging from the tunnel the driver appeared to lose all control over the train, bud sounded the whistle continuously. Tho train oscillated violently, and the passengers were alarmed as the pace became terrific, and a disaster seemed now inevitable. It is said that the driver made an attempt to avoid the utter ruin which appeared inevitable by reversing the engine, but it was too late. Before the train reached Peat's station, however, the pointsman rushed to the points,and holding them bravely managed to throw the train on to a siding on which were two contractors' trucks and an e»gino. His presence of mind probably prevented the whole train from being precipitated into the river. As soon as the first section of carriages telescoped, shrieks of agony and terror rosounded on every side. The engine fell over the aide of the embankment into the mud. The ! fireman was muoh injured, and had a narrow escape of being thrown into the water. As soon as tho intelligence was received in Sydney doctors and appliances were forwarded to the scene and the Bufferers brought back, many being in a pitiable condition. There were heart rending scenes by relatives who were in search of their friends and relations. The wounded were conveyed to the hospital and to their own homes. The part of the embankment where the train went over was about 13 feet above high water and the depth of water was twelve feet. The wrecked engine was completely fitted with hand brakes which were applied, and it is supposed that the rate of spoe 1 and the breaking on the steep grade heated the brakes and they would not act. The bodies of those killed wore much mutilated. Many of tho excursionist were young people engaged in various business in the city. Everything possible was done to alleviate 4 heir sufferings. Win. Rennie, manager for Messrs Amos and Co. jumped from the train and was killed. Some of the injuries are of a serious character. The subject of Peat's Ferry railway accident was discussed in the Legislative Assembly yesterday. The Board of Inquiry commenced investigations to-day. Those injured by the accident are progressing favorably.