The railway catastrophe occurred on the evening of 2nd September 1898 just outside the Midland Railway Station at Wellingborough.
The St. Pancras to Manchester express was partly wrecked when a trolley on the platform fell on the line and despite efforts to move it and before the engine driver could pull up, the engine collided with it and derailed creating a confused wreckage. Four persons were killed outright, including the driver and fireman and of the injured (about 60) two others later died of their injuries.
The Midland Railway Company admitted responsibility and made important changes to the platform at Wellingborough and it’s staffing arrangements.
Our volunteers have researched local newspaper reports, and those from as far afield as South Wales, to recreate the story of the events of that night. The Rushden Echo was one of the first papers to have a reporter on the scene and along with others put the blame on young boys seen playing on the trolley. However, the inquest indicated that they should not be considered as the cause.
To get the full story, come and visit the museum, read the reports for yourself and see original copies of the Michael Brightwell photographs. On the platform there is a vintage trolley, the same size as the one that caused the disaster, this type had a very basic locking handle,
If this is not feasible snippets can be downloaded see the link below.