DMU Accident
Singleton Bank (near Weeton), LMR - 16/07/61
From Bill Read: "On Sunday 16th July 1961 Class 105 power-twin (leading, M50783 and M50808) + 2 x Class 113 units (rear cars not identified) struck the rear of a stationary ballast train which had been carrying out track work. 7 persons killed and 116 injured. The first three cars were severely damaged. Slack operating practices and misunderstandings allowed the DMU (on a Colne – Fleetwood express) to be given clear signals into the occupied section."
From Andrew Dyson: "The train involved was a special excursion. It was advertised along with others, in a very big advert in The Accrington Observer & Times on 08/07/61. The fare was 5/6, it left Accrington at 11am and Church and Oswaltwistle at 11.04am. Return time from Fleetwood should have been 8.06pm. The vehicles in the middle Class 113 set were 51780 and 51755. My dad remembers this as the set had been on display at an exhibition, possibly Derby, and returned to Accrington in immaculate condition.
According to Ashley Butlin's DMU Disposal: British Multiple Units Vol 1, DMU's and DEMU's, 51780 was cut up at Derby c&w in 9.62. This is also the date given for 50783 and 50808, so I would assume that these were all involved. As 51755 survived, it must have been the back unit, with the 105's leading. I know one of the units overturned. There is also a photograph that I have seen published showing survivors of the accident just after it happened. Unfortunately the micro film for The Accrington Observer & Times dated 18/07/61 which covered the crash, is missing."
The Lancashire Telegraph marked the 50th anniversary with an online article on their website.
The vehicles, in order, were: 50808 + 50783 / 51780 + 51755 / unknown twin.
The accident report can be viewed on the Railways Archive website.
These three images are taken from the accident report:
The following set of images were taken during the clean up, the stamp on the rear of the prints (sample shown) credits them to the LMR Mechanical & Electrical Engineers Department at Derby. The captions mention thier position in the formation and the direction they were facing. Image 12 is missing.
1. 3rd. diesel rail car M.51780. Leading End after being moved from track.
2. 3rd. diesel rail car M.51780. Trailing End after being moved from track.
3. 4th. diesel rail car M.51755. Leading End.
4. 1st. diesel rail car M.50808. Leading End.
5. 1st. & 2nd. diesel rail cars Nos. M.50808, M.50783 (after being moved from track).
6. 3rd. diesel rail car M.51780. In field after being moved from track.
7. 3rd. diesel rail car No. 51780. Rear end with bogies from 1st. & 2nd. vehicles Nos. M.50808 M.50783.
8. 3rd. diesel rail car M.51780 (leading end) after being moved from track.
9. Engines etc. from 1st. three vehicles (up main line) of diesel M.U. train.
10. Underframe of rear brake van (B.951980) of ballast train lying upside down on down line.
11. Debris of Driver's control. Lying under rear brake van frame of ballast train.
13. 1st. & 2nd. Diesel rail cars M.50808 M. 50783 (after being moved from track).
14. Trailing end of leading vehicle M.50808.
15. Down main line looking to rear of diesel M.U. train.
16. Trailing end 2nd. diesel rail car M.50783.
17. Detached bogies on bank, diesel M.U. train.
18. Trailing end of 4th. diesel rail car M.51755.
19. Damaged rear vehicles of ballast train on left.
20. 4th. diesel rail car M.51755 on down line. 3rd. diesel rail car M.51780 at right of up up main line.
21. Debris on bank side down main line.
22. Leading end of 2nd. diesel rail car M.50783.
23. Up main line ballast train freight vehicles on right.
24. Top centre casting of second vehicle M.50783.
25. Side view leading bogie leading vehicle M.50808.
26. Failure of top centre casting trailing bogie of second vehicle M.50783.
27. Front view of leading bogie leading vehicle M.50808.
28. Interior of leading vehicle looking towards drivers cab M.50808.