3-011-841 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The late accident on the Great Eastern Railway, near Bradfield, Essex, 1864. Engraving from a passenger's sketch of a serious accident involving '...the overthrow of the up-train which started from Harwich at 2.55 p.m...When it had proceeded on its journey towards London as far as within half a mile of the Bradfield station, the engine lurched over and dashed down the steep embankment, dragging all the train after it...The stoker was killed on the spot, having been crushed by the engine. He lay with his hand still grasping the metal handle of the break [sic]. The driver, who also stayed at his post, escaped. The passengers, in the greatest alarm, got out of the carriages as they best could, and helped those who were injured; and it was some time before it was ascertained that, although several persons had been cut, bruised, and injured, and some severely, only the stoker had been killed. An inquest has been opened upon the body of the stoker. The Rector of Bradfield sent those who were most hurt to the rectory-house, where they were cared for in the kindest manner, and their wounds attended to. The passengers who were able to proceed, after a delay of about four hours, were brought to town by a train which was dispatched for the purpose'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.