The Train Accident

Waihi Daily Telegraph, Volume V, Issue 1542, 27 January 1906, Page 2

The Train Accident

» Further Particulars

Bj Telefcraph.-Press Association. Wanganui, this day In connection with tho Borions accident whiob occurrod to the excursion train ro« turning to Wanganui from the Hawen Band contest, the details show that tho train slowed down on approaching the platform, the passengers experienced a heavy jolt, and' on the train being pulled U(, it was found that the engine was off the lino, and the three leading cars had also been derailed, the rails being bent and "spread'' very badly. Tho occupants of; the loading car had a narrow esoape, and it is certain that but for the driver's prompt action in applying tho Wostinghonse brake, something sorious-'wonld have happened. Two people who wer* sitting on the platform were pilohod iff tho car to tho side of the track, while a lad who was silting in a corner next the door of a carringo had a leg grazed by fho sharp end of a point rail, which pierced through the floor and seat of the ear, curving round in front of tho lad Tho other occupants escaped with nothing worso than a fright, The accident was probably due to tho oir which was following tlie engine "jumping "tho points and running on tho side truck. < The engine is badlv damaged, its injuries including tho wenching off of a pair of wheels with the axles, the dstached portions being subsequently found noar the middlo of the leading, tar. Tho gravel balla«ting was ploughed up for a distance of 40 yards. A relief train and gang woro sent from Wanganui ,*nd arrived at 5 o'clock, the passengers evontually reaching here at 6.20 a.m.

Later, There ate suspicions of the points beini tampered with. The police aro invoaliga ting.