Community & Business
27 November, 2025
Tragedy the subject of author’s new book
A TRAGEDY that claimed the lives of two crewman on the Kuranda Range Railway in 1918 has been captured in a new book by local historical researcher and author Michael Musumeci.
The book provides a detailed insight into the locomotive that was returning to Cairns on the morning of 25 November 1918 when it left the rails, crashing into a wall of rock at the head of the Barron Gorge.
Two employees, Thomas Patrick Duignan (driver), and Evan William Whiting (fireman), lost their lives in the accident, while a third, James Patrick Foley (guard), was seriously injured.
The new book, “The Kuranda Range Railway Tragedy of 1918”, seeks to honour and remember the men who died in the accident.
Mr Musumeci has compiled the book, which includes the Coronial Inquest, and rare photographs, as well as detailed research into the Queensland Rail employees.
“The book captures a tragic day Far North Queensland was saddened to learn and experience the loss of these brave men, who went to work, but never came home,” he said.
“It’s a tragedy that shouldn’t be forgotten, but duly honoured, and our local history needs to be told to our younger generations.
“Steam Train crews back in the early 1900s built the foundations of how so many of our northern communities were born, built and supported, and such crews should be remembered for their sacrifices.”
The book is currently available by contacting Mr Musumeci on email at Michael.musumeci85@gmail.com
