RAILWAY DISASTER NEAR FEATHERSTON.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 7444, 27 April 1903, Page 2

RAILWAY DISASTER NEAR FEATHERSTON.

Caused by a Horse on the Line.

Fireman Sustained Fatal Injuries.

Narrow Escape of Driver,

Considerable Damage to Rolling Stock.

Reports wero iv circulation in Alaster- ' ton, yesterday, to the effect that a very serious accident that occurred on the Wairarapa Wellington railway line, late on Saturday night, although definite particulars were not then availablo as to details. A painful sensation was caused when it became known that ono of the men on the locomotive had subsequently succumbed to the terrible injuries which ho had received. The accident happened to tho goods train known as the " Wild Cat," which left the Alastcrton station at tt.'.tft o'clock on Saturday night. Tho train comprised twenty waggons, representing a 1(50 ton train of general produce and timber. It was in charge of Mr William Heard as driver, Air Harry Fee, fireman, and Air J. L. Towers, guard. The driver had a miraculous escape, having sustained a nasty abrasion on his head, besides sundry small bruises, but it is anticipated that nothing serious will supervene. Air Fee, who ultimately died in the Alastcrton Hospital, was less fortunate, as the injuries he received were of a very serious nature Air Towers, the guard, escaped without inJ m '.yThe accident occurred at tho cemetery crossing, a short distance past tho Featherston station. Here there is a slight decline, and the train was travelling at the rate of between eighteen and twenty miles an hour. At or near the crossing a heavy draught horse must have been standing when the train approached. The indications are, by the marks of the horse's hoofs on the road, that the animal was on the side of the line, and when the engine came close up it made one bound to cross the rails. Its hind logs must have been struck, and the animal then dragged along a short distanco before the engine really dashed into it, and severed it completely in two, besides mutilating its body in a ghastly manner. The immediate result was to derail the engine, which fell over on its side, several waggons also leaving the rails, and being piled up in a heap of wreckage. Driver Heard was thrown clear of the wreckage. Fireman Fee was less fortunate. He got pinned underneath the cab of the engine, and while in this helpless position the steam from the engine escaped all over his face and body. His .sufferings must have been agonising and he doubtless would have succumbed on the spot had not Air Chisholm, a railway employe-, who was a passengers came to his assistance. Fee's left forearm was broken and severely lacerated, and his .i-jht leg broken and horribly mangled. His condition must have been all the more terrible as he retained consciousness throughout, and displayed remarkable fortitude. The whole train was prevented from being a complete wreck through tho highly commendable pres.nco of mind of Guard Towers in immediately applying the Westinghouse brake, which saved fourteen wagons and the guard's van, in which were some nine passengers. Relief was promptly obtained for the sufferers, Dr. Deamer, of Featherston, arriving very speedily on the scene of the uisastcr. A special train was sent from Alastcrton in charge of Guard Hall, and the two injured men were brought into Alastcrton about half past two on Sunday morning, Heard being taken to his home and Fee being removed to the local Hospital. Dr Simmonds was summoned, but the nature of the injuries were past all medical skill. Fee lingered on till 11 o'clock yesterday forenoon, when he passed away. Deep sympathy and regret are expressed at his tragic death, as he was very popular amongst his comrades, and had a large circle of friends in Alastcrton. On Saturday he celebrated his "25th birthday, and only two weeks ago he obtained his certificate as an enginedriver. His parents reside at Waipukurau.

Yesterday was a busy day with the railway staff removing the debris and making the line clear for traffic. This was aocomblished last night. The engine is considerably damaged, as arc also the half dozen wagons, though they are not past repair. Only a small portion of the line was torn up. The scene of the accident was yesterday visited by the traffic Superintendent, Locomotive Engineer, Locomotive Foreman, Inspector of Permanent Ways, and various officials. Surprise is expressed that the accident was not fraught with even more disastrous results. The passengers escaped with nothing further than a considerable shaking, the result of the almost instantaneous stoppage of the train by the prompt application of the Westinghouse brake by the guard, whicn, beyond doubt, prevented the complete wrecking of the train, with probably disastrous consequences to the lives and limbs of other persons on board.