TRUCKS DERAILED

Southland Times, Issue 22478, 14 November 1934, Page 7

TRUCKS DERAILED

MISHAP TO GOODS TRAIN. EXPRESS DELAYED. (Per United Press Association.) Christchurch, November 13. Ten trucks on a goods train carrying coal and timber between Arthurs Pass and Springfield were derailed this afternoon near Avoca station. About two chains of permanent way was torn up by the trucks, and the express train which was following was delayed.three and a-quarter hours, and the interisland steamer was held back waiting for 14 passengers for the North Island. The cause of the mishap is not known yet, but it is thought it might have been due to one of the axles of the trucks breaking. Gangs are working to-night to clear the line. The accident occurred on a slight down-grade just before the train ran into Avoca station. The line is slightly banked, and six of the trucks fell over the embankment to the left and two to the right. These were badly smashed, and the salvaging of them will present some difficulty for the crew of the breakdown train which left Christchurch this evening with-a full repair outfit and crane.

All the freight on the trucks was, of course, strewn over the track. Four men were on the guard’s van of the goods train. They were badly shaken, but otherwise unhurt.

It is expected that the track will be cleared and fully repaired to-morrow.