London Moorgate Tube crash: Firefighters attend service to mark 50 years since Tube crash which killed 43
Today marks 50 years since the 1975 Moorgate Tube crash, in which 43 people died - the cause of the crash is unknown to this day.
London firefighters took part in a service to mark 50 years since the Moorgate Tube crash today (February 28).
43 people died in the crash, and many more were injured.
On February 28 1975, a southbound Northern City Line train from Drayton Park failed to stop at the platform and crashed into the concrete wall at the end of the tunnel at Moorgate station.
When rescuers reached the platform, they found the front three carriages had been crushed together and the station in total darkness.
A rescue operation was launched, involving 1,324 firefighters, 240 police officers, 80 ambulance workers, 16 doctors, numerous volunteers and lasted for six days.
The cause of the crash has never been established, but following the disaster, a 10mph speed limit was introduced on all trains entering passenger locations, and in 1978 the 'Moorgate Protection' system was introduced, which automatically applied brakes if the driver failed to do so.
At St Bartholomew's Hospital, care of the injured passengers continued for months after the crash, with a publication from anaesthetists Philip Finch and David G. NancekieviIl reflecting on the response, highlighting lessons that shaped modern trauma care and major incident planning.
Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne, London Fire Brigade, said: “Today, we remember not only the forty-three people who lost their lives in this tragic incident, but also everyone who was impacted by their loss. Fifty years ago, the lives of so many families would be forever changed in a matter of minutes, and it's important we never forget that.
“We also remember the dedication and determination of the firefighters, emergency responders and volunteers that attended the crash. For six days they carried out a complex rescue operation in difficult conditions. The response they provided is a testimony to the service we all still provide to London in an emergency.”
Chief Operating officer for TFL, Claire Mann, said: “Our thoughts remain with all of those impacted by the loss of life and injury at Moorgate station fifty years ago. We are grateful to be here to remember those people and to celebrate the heroic efforts of the emergency services and volunteers who worked tirelessly in the most difficult conditions for several days after the crash.”