Train crew surprised by home made jigger on tracks

A freight train engine crew rounding a bend on the Napier-Gisborne rail line found three men riding a home-made jigger on the tracks.

The men leapt from the motorised jigger and ran off, leaving it on the line. The train ploughed into it, leaving it a mangled wreck but the beer the trio had on board in a chilly bin survived, the Dominion Post reported today.

The incident happened last week near Tutira, north of Napier, at a time when trains are not usually scheduled. The jigger was made from junk including car seats and a lawnmower engine.

"We can only wonder at the stupidity of people risking their lives in this way," an Ontrack Rail spokesman said.

"They were also breaking the law. If they can be traced, Ontrack will consider taking action against them."

- NZPA