Fatal Rail Crash
On the parish boundary with neighbouring Milton an excursion train – going from Treherbert to Paddington – became derailed at about 13:15 on 20th November 1955. It appears that the train was being diverted on to the ‘Milton Goods Loop’ due to engineering works on the main line. Sadly, ten people died.
The tender and carriages were recovered reasonably easily but the 95-ton engine, a Britannia class called ‘Polar Star’ was a much harder proposition. Two mobile cranes, a brand-new hydraulic jack system, extensive block and tackles and ‘sundry aids’ were needed to slowly lift it upright and onto a specially constructed track into the Ordnance Depot on 4th December.
Thanks to the Great Western Society for their help with this article.
Also: Accident at Milton on 20th November 1955 :: The Railways Archive
