TERRIBLE RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 3965, 23 June 1887, Page 2

TERRIBLE RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

IN NEW SOUTH WALES. i (Per Electric Telegraph — Copyright.) (Rf.uter's Agency.) (Received 12.15 p.m., Juno 22aa.) Sydney, June 22. A train, containing four hundred excursionists for Hawkesbury, met with an accident at Peat's River yesterday. Shortly after leaving that place, the Westinghouse brake failed. The train was too heavy for " a light engine, and attained a velocity of seventy miles an hour down a steep incline. The guard applied the brakes, but without avail, and a pointsman, seeing the danger of the whole train running into the sea, turned it on to a siding, where it dashed into some trucks. The two carriages nearest the engine were telescoped, and the engine fell over the bank ; into the sea. Wilson, the driver, Rennie (? stoker), Henry Hawkins clerk, and a young man and two girls, whose names are unknown, were killed. Fully forty people are injured. (Received 3.20 p.m., June 21st.) As soon as the news of the accident came to hand relief trains with doctors were despatched to Peat's Ferry. The driver, Wilson, fell under the engine and was buried m the river mud. The fireman had a miraculous escape. Three persons died almost instantaneously, and two others succumbed during the night. The wounded were bronght to Sydney, some being admitted to the hospital, and others being taken to their own homes. Had it not 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. (Beceived 1.15 p.m., Juno 22nd.) Everything appears to have gone smoothly until reaching Ryde, but from that place it was found that the engine was insufficient to draw the train of nine carriages up the steep gradients. A portion of the train was detached. The two sections were reunited at Hornby. The train was a little late by this delay, and proceeded towards Peat's Ferry at increased speed. The train rushed through the tunnel towards the incline, which leads right to the river's brink. Suddenly there was a great increase of speed on emerging from the tunnel, and the driver appeared to lose all control. He sounded the whistle continuously, and the train oscillated violently. The passengers were alarmed as the pace became terrific. A disaster seemed now inevitable. It is said that the driver made an attempt to avert utter ruin by reversing the engine, but was too late. Before the train reached Peats' 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 contractor's trucks. This presence of mind probably prevented the whole train being precipitated into the river. As soon the first and second carriages telescoped, shrieks of agony and terror resounded on every side, The engine fell over the side to the bank into the mud. The fireman was much injured, being thrown into the water. As soon as the intelligence was received m Sydney, doctors and appliances were forwarded, and the sufferers brought back. Many were m a pitiable condition. There were heartrending scenes by relatives m search of friends and relations. The wounded were conveyed to the hospital and to their own homes. Part of the embankment where the train went over is about 13 feet above high water. The depth of water is 12 feet. The wrecked engine was completely fitted with hand breaks' which were applied, and it is supposed that the rate of speed and the breaking on the

gradient heated the brake so that they would not act. The bodies of the killed were much mutilated. Many o£ them were excursionists and young people engaged m various businesses m the city. Everything possible was done to alleviate their suffering. Mr William Rennie, manager for Messrs Amos and Co., jumped from the train and was killed. Some of the injuries are of a serious character. (Kocoived 1 a.m., Juno 23rd.) The subject of the Peat's Ferry railway accident was discussed m the Legislative Assembly to-day, and a board of inquiry commences to-morrow. Those injured by the accident are progressing favourably.