TRAIN DERAILED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 243, 14 October 1939, Page 8

TRAIN DERAILED

SERIOUS ACCIDENT NEAR DUNEDIN TRACK BADLY DAMAGED I Ecr Press Association I DUNEDIN. Oct. 13. A serious railway accident occurred last night between Clarendon ana Waihola. about 30 miles south of Dunedin. when the Clinton-Dunedin goods train, with 60 vehicles, derailed. Twenty-six vehicles in all left the line. Several capsized and were badly damaged. The track was also badly damaged for 300 yards. It is unlikely that the line will be clear until late to-day. Passenger and luggage on the north and south expresses were transferred by buses between Waihola and Milton and the north expresses left Dunedin 45 minutes late. The cause of the accident is unknown. The accident occurred on a straight stretch two miles south of Waihola. the train comprising 60 trucks, a passenger coach, and two vans. Nobody was injured, but more than 200 yards of track were torn up and many trucks were reduced to mat ch wood. A large proportion contained coal, tons of which were flung down an embankment. The engine and the leading truck escaped derailment, the 25 trucks involved being the centre of the rake. Twisted steel and smashed woodork litter the track for 100 yards. It is hoped to have the line rebuilt late to-day. Two cranes are working with a breakdown crew of 50.