Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Senior prison warder, George Addis (Stewart's Creek Penal Establishment)

"TRAIN SMASH ENDS FATALLY. ENGINE DRIVER KILLED. PINNED UNDER WRECKED LOCOMOTIVE. Innisfail, January 27.

A shocking train smash occurred on the line between Innisfail and Mourilyan Harbour this morning. The train left Innisfail on the small gauge line about 8 a.m., en route to Mourilyan Harbour, in charge of Mr. George Addis (engine driver), Mr. Thomas Smith (fireman) and Mr. R. J. Coleman (guard).

THE TRAIN.         

The train consisted of 11 trucks of sugar one twelve-ton waggon, and one passenger coach, containing about 20 watersiders, who were going to work at Mourilyan Harbor. These latter were at the back of the train, their carriage being the last vehicle. 

THE SCENE.

The accident took place about 9 miles 73 chains from Innisfail. The train was travelling, it is said at between 10 and 12 miles an hour when the engine gave two or three jumps. 

LEAVES THE LINE. 

The brakes were applied by the fireman, but suddeuly the engine and some of the trucks left the line, the engine felt over on to its side and Driver Addis was pinned underneath it. Those on board the train, were horrified at the suddenness of the accident. Screw jacks were obtained and every effort was made to raise the engine.

BADLY CRUSHED.

This was eventually done, and Mr. Addis was extricated. It was found that the unfortunate man had his right leg broken and badly crushed between the knee and the body, whilst his left leg also was broken and crushed. He had in addition, a deep wound on the side of the face and a scalp wound. 

OTHERS INJURED.  

The fireman and the guard received minor injuries. The police and the railway officials hurried to the scene, and Mr. Addis subsequently was taken to the Innisfail hospital, where he was admitted in a serious condition. Addis was a married man with a amily and resided in Innisfail. 

DEPARTMENTAL INQUIRY.  

The Railway Department propose holding a departmental inquiry forthwith into the circumstances surrounding the accident. This and previous accidents on the small gauge line have given rise to much public comment, and the question is being freely asked if the department is doing everything possible to secure the safety of the trains passing over the lines. 

DRIVER ADDIS SUCCUMBS. Innisfail, January 27. 

Driver Addis died some little time after his admission to the hospital from the serious injuries he had received. He leaves a wife and two children. Further information regarding the smash states that the train was rounding a curve and when the brakes were applied the trucks jumped into the engine. The impact was so severe that it knocked the engine off and the latter in capsizing, dragged several of the trucks with it." - from the Cairns Post 28 Jan 1926 (nla.gov.au)