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Clapham Junction Rail Disaster: 25th Anniversary (PICTURES)

Clapham Junction Rail Disaster: 25 Years On
The Huffington Post UK
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File photo dated 12/12/88 of the scene near Clapham Junction, London as the Clapham rail disaster of December 1988 remains the worst mainline train crash in terms of fatalities in the last 56 years.
PA/PA Wire

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the Clapham Junction rail disaster.

The horrific crash killed 35 people, injured hundreds and permanently changed the way Britain’s railways are managed and tested.

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Shortly after 8am on December 12, 1988, two trains carrying more than 1,300 people crashed near Clapham Junction station, the UK’s busiest railway junction, at speeds approaching 40mph.

Within seconds a third empty train then ploughed into the wreckage, which had encroached on to the opposite tracks, killing some of those who had miraculously survived the first crash.

Here, we look back at the historical event:

Clapham Junction Rail Disaster: 25 Years On
(01 of20)
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Cranes are used to remove wreckage following The multiple train crash. (credit:PA)
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Rescue workers clamber over the wreckage of the three trains. (credit:PA)
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A crane is used to lift the tangled wreckage of a carriage. (credit:PA)
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Injured passengers are treated at the scene of the multiple train crash near Clapham Junction, London. (credit:PA)
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A survivor is helped to safety. (credit:PA)
(06 of20)
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A crowded passenger train crashed into the rear of another train that had stopped at a signal, and an empty train, travelling in the other direction, crashed into the debris. (credit:PA)
(07 of20)
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The Clapham rail disaster of December 1988 remains the worst mainline train crash in terms of fatalities in the last 56 years. (credit:PA)
(08 of20)
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One survivor described how passengers were "getting thrown around the carriage like rag dolls. We tumbled around and around in circles.” (credit:PA)
(09 of20)
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The 25th anniversary of the Clapham rail disaster which claimed 35 lives will be marked by a simple ceremony this week. (credit:PA)
(10 of20)
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The scene near Clapham Junction, South London. (credit:PA)
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A wreath placed on railings at the top of the embankment overlooking the scene of Clapham Junction. (credit:PA)
(12 of20)
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An aerial view of the scene near Clapham Junction, South London after a crowded passenger train ploughed into the back of another packed rush-hour train. (credit:PA)
(13 of20)
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The tragic scene 25 years ago. (credit:PA)
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An injured passenger being lifted to safety by rescue workers. (credit:PA)
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Rescue workers clamber over the wreckage of the three trains that crashed near Clapham Junction. (credit:PA)
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The horrific crash killed 35 people. (credit:PA)
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A two-minute silence will be observed at around 8.13am today. (credit:PA)
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An inquiry found the primary cause of the crash was incorrect wiring work which had led to a signal failure, leading to recommendations on working hours for safety-critical staff. (credit:PA)
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Survivors of the crash will gather on Thursday morning for prayers at a memorial garden close to the site of the crash in south London. (credit:PA)
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Speaking before this morning’s service, Rail Minister Baroness Kramer said: “Important lessons have been learnt since then and Britain today has one of the safest rail networks in the world." (credit:PA)
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