10 JUNE 1865, Page 1
The Whitsun holidays have been marked by a terrible accident.
On Wednesday an excursion train of thirty-two carriages, drawn by two engines, was on its way from Liverpool to Birmingham, when the rails near Rednal gave way. Both engines, which were being driven at great speed, quitted the line, the carriages were hurled one upon another, and no less than thirteen persons killed, most of them being smashed by the breaking woodwork. The stoker and driver have died of their injuries, and fifty passengers more are severely injured. The cause of the accident appears to have been the state of the ballasting, which was under repair. The workmen employed ought to have warned the engine- driver, but neglected to do so, and the train went on over a shaking line at full speed.
