Thames (NZ): Train derailment 1915

Today the Hauraki Rail trail allows cyclists of all ages to travel the old rail track pathways around the Thames-Hauraki area. In days gone by these tracks were busy routes for the train transport of people and goods.

On the 5th February 1915, cattle caused a train derailment at Tirohia (8 miles from Te Aroha), that luckily caused no serious injuries to the passengers aboard the train. At first it was rumoured that three people had died, but this proved to be false and only the driver suffered minor injuries. The evening express to Thames was still able to use the line, later in the day.

 A full report was in the Thames Star 6/2/1915, luckily the train was travelling very slowly at the time of impact. Residents in the locality had "accommodated the lady passengers."

Source:  Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19150211-47-3

 

For further train memories: VIDEOS available of the train at Shortland Railway Station