MAIN TRUNK CRASH.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3278, 25 July 1911, Page 2

MAIN TRUNK CRASH.

COLLISION AT OHAKUNE. PASSENGERS SEVERELY SHAKEN [PEE PEESB ASSOCIATION.! AUCKLAND, July 24. The Main Trunk express train from Wellington, when shunting at Oiiakune, owing to mis-iied points, crashed into a standing train. Two carriages were telescoped, and four others were damaged, and had to be left behind. Five passengers were on the platform of one of the carriages telescoped. Three were hurt, but not seriously. The express arrived at Auckland three hours late this morning. Later.—The mishap at Ohakune arose while the refreshment car was being shunted off the express train. It was in the middle of the train, next to the mail van, and two second-class carriages, an engine, and nearly half the train were shunted three or four hundred yards down the line, running back to the siding at about fiv<Tmiles an hour. The engine-driver evidently considered that all was clear. The train smashed into a detached stationary dining car, drove it on to the goods train, and following-it up, telescoped two second-class carriages and damaged others, throwing the passengers about in all directions, and scattering the luggage all over the carnages. The dining car suffered most. Several passengers standing on the platforms of the damaged carriages jumped clear of the two cars, which ran into each other. The platforms were torn away. One was lifted clear of the line, and remained supported by the floor of the other.

Both cars were full of passengers, and all were jolted out of their seats.