TUBE RAILWAYS.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 November 1923, Page 5

TUBE RAILWAYS.

BRINK OF DISASTER. IMAGINATION APPALLED, THE SERIOUS RISKS. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Nov. 29, 5.5 pm. London, Nov. 29. The tube tunnel accident raises the wide question o£ the safety of London’s tubes under new conditions, particularly in the West End, where they are subjected to the increased pressure of higher buildings and are surrounded by high pressure water mains and a network of electrical cables.

Although the official account treats the incident lightly, it is obvious that the subsidence paused only on the brink of what would have been the most disastrous railway tragedy of modern times. Imagination is appalled by the consideration of the consequences of London’s main water supply pouring in and filling deep tunnels during rush hours when they are occupied by probably a quarter of a million souls. As the tubes slope to the lower levels between the stations, there would be no escape for thousands. The Newington tube was newly constructed, therefore, the accident has a peculiar interest for engineers. It has always been said that nothing short of a most violent earthquake would cause the tube to collapse, but now it is evident there are other factors worthy of consideration. CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT. OFFICIAL EXPLANATION. PUBLIC REASSURED. Received Nov. 29, 9 p.m. London, Nov. 28. It is officially explained that the collapse of the tube was caused through excavation work. The tunnel was being enlarged and the excavation work had come into contact with an old storage well This caused an inrush of sand and water into the tunnel, leaving a craterlike empty space beneath the surface of the road. Being thus robbed of their support the water and gas mains collapsed. A gas main breaking released gas, which, mixing with the air in the cavity, formed an explosive, which then caused the fire. The accident is in every way exceptional and an assurance is given that the public neeed not entertain fear regarding the general security of the tube railways or the gas mains.