TRAIN SMASH

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXII, Issue 225, 25 June 1928, Page 8

TRAIN SMASH

ON MAIN TRUNK LINE GOODS TRAIN DERAILED number of cattle killed (Per Press Association). PUKEKOHE, June 2. Through a goods train Auckland bound being derailed shortly after six o’clock this morning two miles north of Pukekohe 33 trucks were piled in an indescribable manner. Six trucks laden with cattle were telescoped, a number of animals being killed, and others dying from injuries. A number sustained broken backs and legs, necessitating their destruction. One waggon left the rails about a quarter of a mile south of the scene and was dragged this distance, the others finally .telescoped it. The railway track was torn up for three chains, and the sleepers twisted and broken. A gang was soon engaged in extricating the unfortunate animals. The scene was a terrible one. All trains were held up. The Wel-lington-Auckland ordinary express preceded the ill-fated goods train. Passengers and goods were being transferred at Pukekohe and Paerata. It was expected that the line would be cleared by night. Later. In the train accident this morning 36 upturned waggons were involved. Some on their sides, and others on end and reduced to matchwood, presented an appalling picture, indicating the magnitude of the disaster. The waggon next to the engine was of the enclosed type and was followed by six waggons containing 48 oxen Then came trucks of coal, four trucks of timber, and various others making a complete train of 50 waggons. Evidently the waggon next to the engine caused the disaster. Over a quarter of a mile south of the scene the waggon left the line. It passed over a small bridge, but in negotiating an easy bend on to another bridge over the Paerata Creek the driver, Mr Currie, noticing the waggon applied the brakes, with the result that the following waggons telescoped. The cattle trucks suffered most, some of the animals being killed instantaneously, a number being precipitated over a ten foot embankment into a swamp and escaping injury. Several were found in a dying conditio amongst the wreckage, while several with broken backs and legs were soon despatched by the police. Twenty-two cattle are dead. Coal and timber were strewn in all directions.

The whole scene is one of devastation.

Relief gangs were despatched to the scene imediately to remove the wreckage and repair the line. Some waggons cannoned against a telephone pole, wrecking the line, and communication with Auckland was interrupted.

Every available mode of transport at Pukekohe was requisitioned by the Railway Department to convey the passengers between Pukekohe and Paerata for the north and south.