THE HEST BANK DERAILMENT
On 20th May 1965, at 02.20hrs, a diesel hauled Glasgow to London sleeping car train, carrying 114 passengers, derailed at Hest Bank, in Lancashire.
The train had been travelling at about 70mph when a broken rail at a section with watertroughs caused it to derail.
The loco, D1633, and first three coaches remained on the track, four coaches were left lying on their sides between the station platforms, the remaining four coaches and brake van were left on a bank, tilted away from the line.
Fortunately, there were no serious injuries.
The view towards the signal box. 45235 pushes a crane towards the signal box.
Sleeping Car. The view from the platform.
My Grandfather was employed by British Railways, and was at the scene during the repair work. He made a short 8mm cine film of the wreckage, which I have transferred to video.
Click here to view the video (wmv file, 12MB)
Links and further information.
Pictures from the Cumbrian Railway Association, on the Carnforth Station Website.
A pdf copy of the Ministry of Transport Accident Report at the Railways Archive Website.
Contact me click here
All images © David Andrew 2006