Report on the Accident which occurred on 24th June 1955 at Fernhill Farm (Charlton Sidings) Occupation Level Crossing in the Western Region British Railways

"The 4.10 p.m. Moreton-in-Marsh to Worcester Down passenger train was travelling at 45-50 m.p.h. when it struck an open 5-ton lorry which was passing over the crossing from the North side of the line. The lorry was wrecked and was thrown on to the Up line some 30 yards further ahead.

The engine, a British Railways Standard Class 4 locomotive with 4-6-0 wheel arrangement and six wheeled tender, was completely derailed and continued forward, ploughing up both tracks until it came to rest on its side some 120 yards from the crossing, The first of the four passenger coaches was derailed to the left and turned over on to the side of a low cutting. The other three coaches followed it and were derailed except for the rear bogie of the last vehicle which remained on the line.

I regret to report that the driver of the lorry was killed and that a lad who was with him was severely injured. The driver and fireman of the engine were badly shaken and shocked but were able to resume duty on the following day. The ten passengers in the train were in the two rear coaches and none of them was injured."

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