Report by Major J. W. Pringle, R.E., on the Fatal Collision that occurred on the 2nd September, 1913, between two Passenger Trains near Ais Gill, on the Midland Railway

"Two south-bound express passenger trains were concerned in this case. The first comprised vehicles from Stranraer and Glasgow; the second from Aberdeen Inverness and Edinburgh. They were due to leave Carlisle at l.35 a.m. and 1.49 a.m. respectively. The second train overtook the first, which was at a stand-still on the up road, and a collision, with disastrous effects, ensued.

The engine of the second express crashed through the last vehicle - a bogie brake van - of the standing train, and buried itself midway in the passenger coach in front of the van. The roof of the wrecked van, under which the engine passed cut through the three passenger compartments of the composite carriage which travelled behind the engine of the second train. Fire broke out very shortly, if not immediately, after the collision, and the last three vehicles of the first train were burnt.

I report, with deep regret, that fourteen passengers lost their lives in the collision, and their bodies were wholly or largely destroyed by fire. Two more passengers subsequently died from the effects. Thirty-eight others suffered more or less serious injuries, or have complained of the effects of shock or exposure. All the fatalities occurred to passengers travelling in the last passenger vehicle of the leading express, and those at all seriously injured were occupants either of this coach, or of the front vehicle of the second express."

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