§ 72. Mr. Monroasked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement on the railway accident near Beattock Summit on 18th May; and if he will publish the findings of the inquiry by British Railways.
§ Mr. MarshAt about 06.15 on Sunday, 18th May, the 21.30 Euston-Inverness sleeping car express was struck in the rear by the 22.15 Euston-Glasgow sleeping car express near Beattock Summit. Prior to the collision, the former train had come to a halt due to the locomotive's failure, and the latter train was subsequently admitted into the section to assist it. During the subsequent operations the locomotive of the Euston-Glasgow train collided heavily with the rear coach of the Euston-Inverness train. The collison resulted in the rear coach becoming derailed and the locomotive damaged.
It is with deep regret that I have to inform the House that the driver of the 22.15 Euston-Glasgow train died as a result of his injuries, and a number of passengers and railway servants on both trains suffered minor injuries.
I have directed that an inquiry be held to determine the cause of the accident. The results of the inquiry will be published in due course.