On Saturday 6th November 2004 at 18:12 on the down line between Reading and Newbury at Ufton Nervet Level Crossing the 17:35 Paddington to Plymouth High Speed Train operated by First Great Western struck a stationary car obstructing the line. The train was derailed.
A major rescue operation was activated across the county involving Fire, Ambulance and Police emergency services.
More than 250 people were travelling on the train that night. Five passengers and the train driver died in the accident as well as the driver of the car. Seventy-one passengers were taken to hospital, 18 were badly injured and many of the remaining passengers suffered from shock and minor cuts and bruises.
This tragic event changed many people's lives and left a trail of devastation reaching far beyond the route from London to Plymouth.