Hixon Train Crash...

Something that is sadly very common in the United States, even to this day, is rail accidents that occur on crossings (level crossings, as the British know them).  In the UK, they never have been a regular cause for concern.  Here is the story of one such incident, though...

Before the 1950's, level crossings in Britain were attended by "crossing keepers", which generally ensured the safe passage of trains, vehicles, and pedestrians on level crossings.  During the 50's, there was a move toward automated crossings, due to the hassle and expense of employing keepers.  By 1968, there were 207 automated crossings in Britain, including one at Hixon, in Staffordshire.

On 6th January 1968, a 120-ton electrical transformer was being moved from an electrical works in Stafford, to a disused airfield in Hixon, six miles away.  A transporter 148 feet long with a 32-wheeled trailer (with a tractor at each end) was used to move the transformer.

At 12.20pm, the transporter - complete with transformer arrive in Hixon, where the A51 meets Station Road - the location of the Hixon level crossing.  The crew of the transporter had not been made aware of the need to negotiate the crossing.  This caused a problem, as the trailer had to be raised to cross the tracks, but it had to be low enough to clear the overhead power lines.  The vehicle slowed to 2mph, which meant that the time to completely clear the tracks would be at least one minute - assuming it kept moving.

By 12.26, the leading tractor was across the tracks, with the transporter straddling them.  However, the poor communication had also meant that the crew of the transporter knew nothing about the 12.30 Manchester to Euston express.  While the transporter was still straddling the tracks, the approaching train activated the automated barriers at the crossing.

With the lights flashing and bells ringing, confusion reigned as the barriers lowered onto the front part of the transformer.  Both tractor operators realised that the train could not stop, and started to accelerate in order to minimise the effects of a collision.

The train hit the rear eight feet of the transformer at 75mph, shearing through the trailer and throwing the transformer forward.  The locomotive and the first five carriages (of twelve in total) were demolished, and the next three carriages were derailed.  120 yards of track were destroyed, and the overhead power lines were brought down.

Eight passengers and three railwaymen (all in the cab of the locomotive) lost their lives, and forty-five others were injured.