Eyewitnesses and a survivor are recalling the Colwich Junction rail crash, which occurred 40 years ago on 19 September 1986. The incident involved two Intercity express trains colliding in the village of Colwich, Staffordshire.
The 17:00 London to Manchester train passed flashing yellow lights and then a red signal before coming to a halt. Seconds later, the 17:20 Liverpool to London service, travelling at 100mph, struck the stationary train.
Driver Eric Goode, heading south, was killed in the crash. A total of 75 passengers sustained injuries, but despite the extensive damage to the carriages, no passengers died. The robustness of the rolling stock was credited with saving lives.
The public inquiry determined human error was to blame for the accident. The crash was one of several incidents that prompted safety improvements across UK railways. Signalling rules were amended, particularly concerning flashing-yellow aspects and junction signalling, to reduce the risk of drivers misinterpreting route indications.
Between 1999 and 2003, the Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS) was rolled out nationally. This technology can automatically apply a train's brakes if it passes a signal at danger or approaches certain junctions too quickly.
A memorial garden near the railway bridge pays tribute to Eric Goode. Volunteers maintain the garden, which features a replica name plate of the locomotive he was driving.