• Welcome to this forum . We are a worldwide group with a common interest in Birmingham and its history. While here, please follow a few simple rules. We ask that you respect other members, thank those who have helped you and please keep your contributions on-topic with the thread.

    We do hope you enjoy your visit. BHF Admin Team

Stechford Train Crash

Pedrocut

Pedrocut

Master Barmmie
761590F9-B658-4E9B-AF16-57667539FAEE.jpeg

There are two Threads with the same title concerning the Stechford train crash of 1967. One here from2007...

https://birminghamhistory.co.uk/forum/index.php?threads/stechford-train-crash.8697/#post-71680

The other thread started by Astonian, with some great pictures, started in January 2017
https://birminghamhistory.co.uk/forum/index.php?threads/stechford-train-station.47394/#post-583197

I have uploaded a further picture from the Illustrated London News. I think, as it is such a tragic accident the two should be merged. In post 6 of the original thread the are questions raised which should be addressed. The full detailed accident report can be accessed at the site below...

“....The cause of this accident is clear. A movement was being made with the diesel locomotive of the ballast train which was not an authorised movement, and no proper arrangements had been made for it. There was no failure of the signaling equipment, and, as I announced at the end of the public hearing of the evidence, the driver of the Up electric multiple-unit train, who lost his life, was in no way to blame. He could have noticed only at the last moment that the locomotive was moving foul of the path of his train and, although he evidently sounded the whistle, he could have done nothing to avoid the collision...”
http://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/documents/MoT_Stechford1967.pdf

I have not as yet been able to discover whether charges were brought, but I don’t think that the railways being state run has any bearing.
 
The report of the accident places blame on the head shunter and the actions of the signal man must also be questioned. Allowing the diesel locomotive hauling the ballast train to uncouple and run round led to the accident.

After the accident the track at the junction was altered and a signal repositioned.

I did hear from local knowledge that the bridge over Albert Road was reconstructed then having being damaged by the Manchester Coventry unit following the impact. The modern bridge is concrete and the original bridge dated from the London & Birmingham construction.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top