Trucks Leave Rails

Three heavy railway wagons were derailed in the Gisborne railway yards one day last month. They were part of an inward freight train from Napier which was entering the station. Two of the wagons, loaded with fertiliser, weighed 23 tons each, and the third weighed 20 tons. When they came off the line something had to go, and it did. One of the heavy hook couplings which join the wagons was snapped in two, and so was a rail. In addition, the permanent way was torn up in the vicinity.

The wagons were soon unloaded and restored to the rails, and the permanent way repaired.

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Railway officials examining points at the scene

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Looking along the train after the crash. Engine is about to pull away rear portion of train still on rails.

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Stationmaster watches as welder (obscured) cuts wagons apart.