1967: a bad year for the railway

1967 was the worst year for train accident fatalities for a decade. While Thirsk, Connington and Amble Junction contributed to the total of 82, most came from the derailment at Hither Green, which occurred on November 5 when a piece of rail broke away as a diesel electric multiple unit passed at 70mph. Forty-nine people were killed.

Although the cause was the way the track had been supported, it was realised more generally that the smaller wheels of diesel and electric locomotives and units, combined with the high unsprung weight resulting from their axle-hung traction motors, had a more punishing effect on the track than steam locomotives.