Report on the Accident that occurred at Norton Fitzwarren on 4th November 1940

"The 9.50 p.m. passenger train, Paddington to Penzance, travelling at 40 to 45 m.p.h. on the Down Relief Line, passed two successive stop signals at danger, end became derailed at the catch points protecting the Down Main, where the two lines converge at the west end of the station, some two miles beyond Taunton. The driver was under the impression that he was running on the Down Main, the signals of which had been lowered for a newspaper train. The engine was thrown clear and came to rest on its side 140 ft. beyond the last rail of the catch points, having traversed an open drain; the first five coaches were wrecked and blocked all lines.

Some 900 passengers were travelling in the train, including many men of the Services, and I regret to report that 26, including one company's Servant, were fatally injured, of whom 13 were Naval personnel. [The Fireman] was also killed at his post. In addition, 56 passengers were injured sufficiently seriously to necessitate their retention in hospital, and 18 others complained of shock or minor injuries; of these 16 were members of the Services."

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