Report on the Derailment which occurred on 18th May, 1948, near Wath Road Junction (London Midland Region, British Railways)

"The 11.45 am. Down Express Passenger train from St. Pancras to Bradford, comprising 12 coaches hauled by two engines, was travelling on the Down Passenger line at a speed of 60 to 65 m.p.h. when the engines and eight coaches became derailed on a 30 ft. embankment. The alignment was straight, but the track had become distorted due to rail expansion caused by the sun's heat.

The Express was only carrying 194 passengers since a crowded Relief train with the bulk of the travellers had left St. Pancras 15 minutes earlier. I regret to report, however, that six passengers were killed and one passenger and one Railway servant, Driver B. Wilshire in charge of the train engine, died of their injuries ; 33 passengers and one Railway servant, a dining car attendant, were detained in hospital and 21 passengers and one Railway servant sustained minor injuries."

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