'Stop the Wolverhampton express!' - How quick thinking spared Wolverhampton from a major rail disaster
It was a desperate message to the Bushbury signal box as the scene was set for a great Wolverhampton rail disaster - a derailed goods train at Bushbury and a passenger express fast approaching the obstructed track.
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But catastrophe was averted thanks to quick thinking and quick actions, and Saturday, October 22, 1960, did not take its place as a dark day in railway history.
The 8.20pm Bescot to Crewe goods train left the rails and toppled down a 15ft embankment only a few minutes before the 60mph express passenger train was due.
About five wagons were derailed, along with the engine and tender. Two railwaymen in particular saved the day. The guard, one J Smith of Crewe, ran back along the line in the pouring rain to phone the Bushbury No. 2 signal box, so that the 8.59pm Wolverhampton High Level to Crewe and Chester express could be stopped in time. Passengers were jolted out of their seats as it responded to the urgent signals to halt.
John Steed, a freight train inspector at Birmingham, had heard a bump as he was in his railway cottage in Wood Lane, Bushbury. He ran outside and saw the goods train half way down the embankment.
Mr Steed raced along the line, facing Stafford, and waved a red lamp, managing to stop a diesel engine which was approaching.
