Report on the Derailment that occurred on 28th July 1975 between Sarnau and St. Clears in the Western Region British Railways

"The 08.20 Paddington to Fishguard express passenger train, consisting of a diesel locomotive hauling 12 coaches, was travelling at over 70 mile/h on the Down line approaching the start of a cutting round a curve when the driver observed that both continuously welded running rails were badly buckled and made an emergency brake application. There was insufficient time however to prevent the whole of the train passing over the distortion and the 8th, loth, and 12th vehicles became derailed. The train came to a stand with the derailed vehicles upright and clear of the Up line.

The emergency services were summoned by the crew of a police car sent to the scene of the derailment at the request of British Railways and ambulances arrived on site at 13.35. Only 8 passengers sustained minor injuries as a result of the accident; all were taken to hospital at Carmarthen and were discharged by 16.40 after treatment, continuing their journey to Fishguard Harbour by bus. The remainder of the passengers were transferred to the leading 6 coaches of the train which, after examination, proceeded to Fishguard Harbour at 15.00. The boat sailing to Ireland was held for the arrival of these passengers."

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