History.com:
Dec 24, 1953:
Volcanic eruption sweeps away train
In a highly unusual chain of events, a volcanic eruption in New Zealand causes a flood that sweeps away a train filled with passengers on this day in 1953. More than 150 people lost their lives in this improbable disaster.
At the top of a 9,000-foot volcano, Mount Ruapehu, on New Zealand's North Island laid a lake and a glacier. On December 24, a minor eruption of the volcano released the lake waters down a glacial valley and gorge. The surging water thundered down the mountain toward the town of Waiouri. Before it reached the community, it slammed into a bridge just before a train crossed it.
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