Tunbridge Wells train crash, December 1958

[John]

A train crash at Tunbridge Wells station on 22nd December 1958. No fatalities fortunately, which was, I suppose, a good early Christmas present for those involved. The newspapers reported anywhere from 18 to 22 people treated in hospital. The driver of the second train was blamed for the accident. Press cutting below, and a couple of pictures from the crash.

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT TUNBRIDGE WELLS, DEC. 22 The driver of a diesel electric train had a remarkable escape from serious injury when his train collided with the rear of a stationary diesel electric train in Tunbridge Wells Central station shortly after 1 p.m. to-day. Eighteen people were admitted to hospital. The stationary train, which had travelled slowly from Hastings, was waiting to link up with the second train, also from Hastings, to form a fast train to Charing Cross when the collision occurred. The main Hastings-London line was still blocked at midnight. Railway workers used crowbars to free the driver of the second train, Mr. Charles Giles, aged 62, of Church Down, Bromley, from his wrecked cab. He escaped with lacerations of the scalp and left cheek. With two passengers he was detained in hospital. The others were Mr. William Cross, aged 75. of Ashley Gardens. Rusthall, Tunbridge Wells, who had minor injuries and Mrs. Janet Burr, aged 61, of Croft Road, Hastings, who suffered concussion. The condition of all three was described as comfortable. Another passenger, Mrs. Mildred Muckleston, aged 70, of Hill Street, Hastings, who had fractured ribs, was discharged from hospital to the care of her daughter. The others taken to hospital were discharged after treatment for cuts and bruises. Many other passengers were given first aid for minor cuts and shock on the platform

[John]

The Evening Standard, 22nd December 1958

TRAINS CRASH - 22 INJURED. Collision in station at Tunbridge Wells. Two diesel-electric trains from Hastings crashed in Tunbridge Wells Central station at five-past-one this afternoon. Twenty-two people were hurt and the line blocked. Fire broke out in the crushed driver's cab of one. The trains were the noon slow from Hastings and the 12.20 fast. At Tunbridge Wells they were to be joined in one train to Charing Cross. "They came into heavy contact while being coupled," said a Southern Region spokesman. The driver's cab was crushed and the motorman injured. Fire started but was extinguished by firemen who were called. Motorman Charles Giles, aged 62, was taken to hospital with head cuts. He was detained for an X-ray.
Eighteen passengers, some from Hastings, Bexhill, St. Leonards, and some going to Ramsgate, were also treated in hospital. Two were detained - Janet Burr, 61, of Croft Road, Hastings: and William Cross, 75, of Rusthall, Tunbridge Wells. Three others were treated on the station for shock, bruises and cuts.

[John]

Two more photographs from the scene of the crash.