91³Ô¹ÏÍø

Event    From 4/12/1957  To 4/12/1957

Lewisham train disaster

Categories: Tragedy

Lewisham train disaster

The colision actually happened at St John's station, one stop to the north-west) which is close to Lewisham. It was a very foggy night and an electric train was being held at a red signal. It was struck from behind by a steam train on the same track whose driver had failed to see two yellow caution signals. He was subsequently put on trial for manslaughter, but the jury couldn't reach a verdict. A second trial was convened, but cancelled because the driver's mental health had been severely impaired. 90 people were killed and 173 injured. In terms of loss of life, it ranks as the third worst rail crash in the UK.

points out that Lewisham has suffered three significant train disasters: 1857 (east of station), 1957 (St Johns) and 1967 (Hither Green). That recurring 7 is a bit spooky, isn't it?

Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk

Comments are provided by Facebook, please ensure you are signed in to see them

This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Lewisham train disaster

Commemorated ati

Lewisham train disaster

In memory of those who lost their lives. Lewisham train disaster, 4th Decembe...

91³Ô¹ÏÍø

Other Subjects

Ketut Nana Wijaya

Ketut Nana Wijaya

Non-British, killed by the Bali bomb.

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial
Patrick Cummings

Patrick Cummings

Our colleague, Andrew Behan, has researched this young man: Patrick Eton Cummings was born on 21 September 1964 and died, aged 16 years, on 18 January 1981 in a fire at party being held at 439 New ...

Person, Tragedy

2 memorials
Henry Peglar

Henry Peglar

Role on the lost expedition: Petty officer on SS Terror. See John Franklin.

Person, Exploring, Tragedy

1 memorial
Michael John Maddocks-Watson

Michael John Maddocks-Watson

Michael John Maddocks-Watson was born in August 1942, the son of John A. Maddox-Watson (b.circa 1917) and June Elizabeth Maddocks-Watson née Clarkson-Tinline (1921-1995). His birth was registered i...

Person, Tragedy

1 memorial