THE SYDNEY RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5961, 23 June 1887, Page 4

THE SYDNEY RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

[Reutkr's Teleqeams.]

SYDNEY, JufiE 22. So 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 in the river mud. The fireman had a miraculous escape. Three persons died almost instantaneously, and two others succumbed during the night. The wounded were brought to Sydney, some beiug admitted to the hospital, and others 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. Everything appears to have gone smoothly until reaohing Byde.but from that place it was found that the engine was insufficient to draw a train and nine carriages up the steep gradients. A portion of the train wa3 detached in two sections, and re-united at Hoi nby . The train was a little late by thi3 delay,»nd proceeded towards Peat'aFerryat increased speed. The train rushed through the tunnel towards the incline, which leads tight to the river's brink. Suddenly there was a great increase of speed in emerging from ,the tunnel. The driver appeared to lose all control, and sounded the whistle continuously. The train oscillated violently, and the passengers were alarmed, as the pace became teriffic. Disaster seemed now inevitable, and it is eaid that the driver made an attempt to avert utter ruin by reversing the engine, but he was too late. Before the train reached Peat's station, howerer, the pointsman rushed to the points,jmd, holding them bravely, managed to throw the train on the siding, on which were two contractors' trucks and an engine. This presence of mind probably prevented the whole train being precipitated into the river. As soon as the first and second carriages were telescoped, shrieks 4 of agony and terror resounded on every side. The engine fell over the side of the embankment into the mud. The fireman was much injured, being thrown into the water. As soon as intelligence was received in Sydney, doctors and appliances were forwarded, and the sufferers brought back, many being in a pitiable condition. There were heartrending scenes caused by the relatives in search of their friends and relations. The wounded were conveyed to the hospital and their own homes.

The part of the embankment where the train wont over is about 13ft above high water, and the depth of the water is 12it. The wrecked engine was completely fitted with a hand-brake, which waa applied, and it is supposed the rats of speed and the breaking on the gradients heated the brakes so that they would not act.

The bodies of the killed are much mutilated. Many excursionists and young people engaged in various business in the city were in the train. Everything possible was done toalleviate theirsufferings. Mr W. Bennie, manager for Messrs Amos and Co., jumped from the train, and was killed. Some of the injuries are. of a serious character.

The Bubjeot of the Peat's Ferry railway accident was discussed, in the Legislative Assembly to-day. The Board of Enquiry commences an investigation tomorrow. Those injured by the accident are progressing favourably.