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Car Z, seen here, was the only first-class carriage to tumble into the Whangaehu River at Tangiwai. It was swept onto the river bank, and 21 of its 22 occupants were rescued. The other three first-class cars and two vans remained on the track. Those travelling in the five second-class cars were not so fortunate – out of more than 170 second-class passengers, only 28 survived.
Archives New Zealand
Ref: AAVK, W3493, D1952
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