Report on the Collision that occurred on 26th January 1985 near Micheldever in the Southern Region British Railways

"At about 04.50 on Saturday, 26th January 1985, the 03.30 Bournemouth to Woking electric multiple unit (EMU) train, 2804, conveying a number of railway staff as passengers, struck a minor chalk slip on the Up line in the cutting between Popham No.2 and Popham No.1 Tunnels. Some of the train's collector shoes were damaged causing it to lose power and it came to a stand with the leading two vehicles outside the north portal of Popham No.1 Tunnel. The guard went back to protect his train and to summon assistance, using an Up line signal-post telephone to speak to the signalman at Basingstoke. Arrangements were made for a Class 33 locomotive to be sent to assist the disabled train from the front.

The assisting locomotive was dispatched from Worting Junction to run in the wrong direction on the Up line to Popham, its driver having been instructed by the signalman at Basingstoke to look out for detonators and a red handsignal. The disabled train had not been properly protected, however, and when it came into view, it was too late for the locomotive driver to prevent the collision. Although he made an immediate emergency brake application, the brakes had no time to act before the locomotive struck the stationary train at a speed estimated to be about 30 mile/h. The time was about 05.30.

On impact, the leading cab of the Class 33 locomotive was badly crushed, spreading sideways to foul the Down line and trapping the driver and his assistant in their seats. Fortunately, there were no fatalities; the most serious injury was to the trapped driver whilst his assistant and the 11 persons on the EMU suffered various degrees of shock and bodily injury."

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