§ Mr. Finlayasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is aware of a railway accident in which two steam trains collided near Chingford, Essex; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterAt 5.48 p.m. on 1st December, the 5.8 p.m. passenger train from Liverpool Street to Chingford collided head-on in fog with the 5.45 p.m. passenger train from Chingford to Liverpool Street just outside Chingford terminal station. The driver of the outgoing train had missed the starting signal which was at danger. He had realised his mistake almost at once and stopped the train. The other train was slowing up for the terminal stop. There was no derailment, but the engine and leading coach of each train were damaged.
168WSeven passengers and three members of the railway staff were treated in hospital, mostly for minor injuries and shock. Both lines were blocked and trains were terminated at Wood Street. Passengers were directed to London Transport road services between Chingford and Wood Street. Normal rail services were resumed at 2 a.m. the following morning.