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ScotRail remembers Polmont rail disaster – 35 years on

Posted: 30th July 2019

ScotRail has today (Tuesday 30 July) marked the 35th anniversary of the Polmont rail disaster by laying a wreath at the station in memory of those who lost their lives.

Thirteen people died and dozens more were injured in the tragic event on Monday 30 July 1984, when a rush hour service from Edinburgh to Glasgow derailed near Polmont station.

The accident happened at around 5.55pm when the 5.30pm British Rail Class 47/7 service from Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Queen Street struck a cow, derailing the locomotive and all six carriages.

In 2009 – on the 25th anniversary – ScotRail and the local council unveiled a commemorative plaque at Polmont station during a memorial service attended by survivors, family of those who lost their lives, representatives of the emergency services and local council.

At a memorial service at the station today, attended by Simon Constable, Network Rail Head of Operational Delivery; Councillor Adanna McCue, Falkirk Council; and ScotRail Area Manager Kirsty Marchant, ScotRail Operations Director David Simpson laid a wreath below the plaque in memory of the thirteen people who died.

ScotRail Operations Director David Simpson said:

“Our thoughts are with the friends and families of those who lost their lives 35 years ago today in such a tragic event.

“It’s unimaginable to think that a loved one heading back from work, holiday or a day out wouldn’t make it home.

“It’s also important to recognise the response to the accident from the emergency services and railway colleagues – in what was extremely traumatic circumstances everyone involved pulled together with excellent co-ordination and co-operation.”

 

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