Rail Incidents

Abstract

Train travel has been a popular means of transport since the early 1880s when the first steam trains were introduced in the United Kingdom, with a network of rail lines developing quickly, cover most of the United Kingdom. As they became more popular with improved design and comfort, so came the associated increase in size of the trains themselves and increased potential top speeds. This also resulted in amplified passenger capacity, as it was by far the most efficient way to access areas of the country. Unfortunately, ever since there has been a history of rail travel, there has been a history of rail accidents. As with any series of disasters the numbers of victims, both those that lose their lives and those who are injured, is dependent on the circumstances of the incident and the ability of others to respond to the disaster efficiently and effectively. The number of fatalities in any one incident can vary depending on a number of factors. In fact, these incidents may result in relatively few fatalities in relation to the number of people involved. For example, consider the accident in Abergele, North Wales (1868) in which around 30 people died although the definitive number of deceased and injured victims is unknown; Ladbroke Grove (1999) in which 31 people died; or the incident at Ufton Nervet, Berkshire (2004) when 7 people were killed and a further 71 injured. That these events do not always result in large numbers of deceased in no way detracts from their significance; every death is of intense importance to the families of the loved ones left behind.