The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1956)(about) |
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Friday 12 March 1954
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"PEAK" TRAINS
STRANDED
BY BLACKOUT
ACOMPLETE power blackout brought
every peak-hour suburban train in Mel- bourne to a halt last night, causing one of the worst hold-ups in the city's history.
More than 100 trains were stopped for almost an hour when a power cable at Jolimont failed
at 5.37 p.m. Tens of thou- sands returning home
from work left the trains and walked.
Seven trains stopped at Flinders st. and thousands of travellers streamed across the rails bach: to the city.
The city was thrown into a turmoil of packed trams, buses and taxis.
Railways engineers rushed to Jolimont, but trains did not resume running until 6.33 p.m.
Risked lives
Hundreds risked their lives when they climbed from a train stalled over the Swan st. viaduct. Richmond, and clambered along a narrow railing beside the train.
In some suburbs railway gates were closed with trains blocking the roads.
Long lines of cars jammed roads on either side.
There was an Ironic cheer when signals finally returned to "Go" and power was re- stored. ; , -v
A railway control:'official last night'described- thé tie up as one of the most "com- plete and severe" in railways ¿istory.