Great Western Coffee Shop

16 years ago today, my son was in London, visiting a friend. He was due to return home to Exeter on the 1735 ex-Paddington.

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I was in charge of our local Scout Group's Fireworks display and talking to a local press reporter when my phone rang. I took the call - it was my son.............. "I thought I'd better ring you to say I am in a field, the train has crashed, but I am alright."

The following morning, his blood stained face was plastered all over the papers and national television channels.
I am pleased to say, he was one of the lucky ones at Ufton Nervet that evening.

My thoughts go out to the relatives of Driver Stan Martin and the others that perished that evening.

Thank you for sharing that with us, Phil.

Yes, it was a terrible tragedy and "seems" more recent than 16 years ago.
There was a great deal of bad luck in this case. A collision between a lightweight road vehicle and an HST might, under other circumstances, be survivable, but not in this case.

I recall considerable ill informed media comment about this event.

Escape by the survivors was aided by the provision of emergency light sticks, as was first aid treatment. I had previously suggested to GWR that these light sticks should be provided. I know not if provision was as a result of my suggestion, or was already in hand.

A terrible accident, we've been very lucky to have 16 years without a major accident. I hope lessons are learnt from the most recent one in Stonehaven. If something like that happened near Teignmouth/Dawlish it would be catastrophic.


My thoughts are with those involved in Ufton Nervet, the accident might have all slipped our minds but it's effects continue for some.