THE RAIL industry came together on December 12 to remember those who died in the Clapham Junction station crash 35 years earlier.
On December 12, 1988, at 08.10, three trains were involved in a collision caused by faulty wiring in the signalling system, killing 35 people and injuring many more.
A service takes place annually at the Spencer Park memorial site in Battersea and was attended by relatives of those who died in the accident, as well as representatives from Network Rail, South Western Rail, ASLEF and other members of the rail industry.
Other events have also been organised, including a ‘lessons learnt’ talk hosted by Network Rail and Siemens Mobility. Representatives from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch and the Rail Safety and Standards Boards were also in attendance to discuss why the crash had such a big impact on the industry, how it happened, what the key learning was, and what is being done to prevent incidents like this happening in future.
Matt Pocock, Network Rail’s Wessex route director, said: “Today is a really important day for the rail industry around the country as we come together to remember those who sadly lost their lives in the Clapham rail crash 35 yea
