The Express train wasn't due to stop in Cwmbran, so the driver probably thought it ok to speed up in order to make Newport on time. The line the train was travelling on was the Monmouthshire Rail and Canal Company line, known for being quite rough. Trains ran along it regularly but many witnesses on this day noticed it was travelling faster than usual. When asked what he thought the speed was, Alfred Wilson estimated 40 miles per hour.
At ten minutes to two, Frederick Grice was walking over the bridge in (Old) Cwmbran. He noticed the train approaching from Pontnewydd. He continued walking down the side of the bridge to the old side of the station. At the same time, William Evans, a farmer from Llantarnam was also walking by the old station with his brother. They then heard the most terrific crashing sound as they saw the train travel under the bridge with the engine leaning to one side. On top of the engine, the driver and stoker were trying to jump off. Frederick Grice also saw the train pass under the bridge. It was off its rails, and hit the platform of the new station, opposite. The carriage directly behind also hit and mounted the platform. Smoke, stones and debris were now flying everywhere as the engine rebounded off the platform and fell onto its right side, still in motion it carried on travelling for a further few yards. The carriages, crushed and mangled fell over each other while the rails were ripped apart, one rail penetrating the boiler.
Edwin Self, manager of the Vitriol Works was outside working in the yard when he heard an explosion. He watched as an immense body of steam rose from the station. He made a mental note of the time, 1.55 pm then left to assist at the scene.
Meanwhile, Alfred Wilson was in the carriage that was thrown onto the platform. His coat was torn and he suffered bruising to his leg Another passenger was hurled against him, Edward Foxall, who suffered a fractured jaw which left him unable to open his mouth or speak. Alfred managed to escape through the carriage window. Once outside, he saw the engine lying across the rails, five carriages behind thrown on top of each other and lying under one, the body of the driver. William Evans recorded seeing a second man, the stoker, being taken to the Abbey pub.
An inquest into the accident was held in Forgehammer. The engine driver, Robert M'ghee was killed outright. His legs cut up and his head greatly injured. He left in Worcester a wife and seven children. Other injuries to passengers were serious but not life threatening. A man and woman fractured their legs and a little girl had a cut to her face. Another man who was painting the new station was thrown off his ladder and broke his leg. It was luck that the train wasn't as full of passengers as it usually was.
Once he arrived at the scene, Edwin Self decided to walk up the line beyond the crash site. A large part had been ploughed up. Just before the station he noticed a piece of rail missing and a bend in another. The verdict on the accident was that Robert M'ghee had met his death by the West Midland Express train accidentally running off the rails of the Monmouthshire Company's line on 3 July 1863. It had been suggested that Robert M'ghee had been drinking the day of the crash however witnesses stated that he was actually teetotal. The accident was therefore attributed to high speed on a line not originally intended for fast running. It was urged that the companies allow more time for the express train from Pontypool Road to Newport until the road was renewed.
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| This old postcard shows the approximate location of the crash. Today it forms part of the Cwmbran Drive. |
Sources - Monmouthshire Merlin, Illustrated Usk Observer, Cardiff Times
Read more from Victorian Cwmbran in my book available from Amazon or as a download to Kindle.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Victorian-Cwmbran-Carol-Ann-Lewis/dp/1490970177/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422223116&sr=8-1&keywords=victorian+cwmbran
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