RAILWAY SMASH.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 3818, 2 May 1913, Page 4

RAILWAY SMASH.

PUBLIC WORKS TRAIN RUNS INTO MOB OF BULLOCKS. ENCINE DERAILED TWO MILES BEYOND GTOKO. SERVICE TO BE RESUMED TO-DAY.

A rather nasty smash-up occurred to the Public Works train about 6.15 o’clock .on Wednesday night, about two miles beyond Otoko. The train was coming down from Rakauroa to Otoko. and when within a couple of miles of Otoko station ran into a inch of bullocks, which were being driven across the line at a private crossing. The train was travelling at the ordinary rate of speed, as it was due connect with the night train at Otoko. The engine crashed into a bullock, which was killed instantly. The obstruction caused rhe engine to jump th© rails, and the wheels sinking in soft ground, caused it to capsize.

Fortunately the engine-driver and stoker managed to jump clear, and both got off soot free. They were extremely fortunate, as both might have been seriously injured, if not killed, had the luck been against them. The task of getting the engine back on tile rails was one of no little difficulty, owing to the soft nature of the ground near the scene of the mishap. However, this was successfully accomplished by 2 o’clock yesterday. The train will resume running to Otoko and Rakauroa to-dav.