FATAL RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2739, 31 December 1881, Page 2

FATAL RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

[By Telegraph.] Dunedin, Dec 30. A train leaving Balclutha for Clinton at 4 p.m. to-night ran off the rails near Warepa station, and it is reported that the stoker has been killed. Dr Smith from Balclutha has left for the scene of the accident. Wellington, Dec. 30. A telegram received this evening from Mr Hannay, Manager of Railways in Dunedin states that an engine and seven wagons of the south goods train to Clinton left the rails one mile north of Kaihiku. The fireman, J. Woodcock, was killed; the driver, Mr Carter was bruised, and the pumper was slightly injured. Considerable damage was done to the road, which is being cleared as soon as possible. The cause of the accident is as yet unknown. THIS DAY. FURTHER PARTICULARS. Balclutha, Dec. 31. As the 4,40 p.m. train from Balclutha to Clinton reached Ivaihiku bridge at 5.30, a horse was seen on the line, but too late to stop the train. The horse was caught: by the cowcatcher and carried some ten yards, when the engine ran off the line and down ah embankment ten feet deep. Tho driver at once shut off steam and ran off the water. The train consisted of 15 trucks and a van. The engine, and tender ami seven trucks ran off. The tender is lying on its side.’ and jwimss one end of the engine, some trucks being on each side of the line. The stoker, James Woodcock, was found lying under the tender. His death must have been instantaneous. James Blackwood, water-pumper at Waiwera, was caught by the foot between the engine and tender. Every exertion was made to remove him, but the task was not accomplished until late this morning. No one else was hurt. The rails of the line are considerably twisted and damaged, but the trucks are apparently not much injured. There were only three passengers by' the train, and they escaped without injury 7. Mr Chisholm, Inspector of Permanent Railways, arrived at 8.45 p.m., and proceeded to clear the lines.