Latest News - Fri, December 4, 2009
| The Ufton Nervet Area Of Reflection. On the 5th anniversary of the Ufton Nervet rail crash, network members realised their wish for a lasting monument at the site of the crash. |
Grayrigg people: Read the Crucial Information Page.
Welcome
This website has been created by people who were involved in the train crash at Ufton Nervet in November 2004. We are all volunteers and part of the Network which came into being after the crash to make sure that everyone had access to information and help. We hope that, in addition to providing support to our members, this website will reach people who have been involved in other events which cause trauma. We see it as a positive part of our recovery to pass on our learning to others.
In this site you will find a wide range of topics: practical help and advice concerning the legal and financial aspects of being involved in such a life-changing event; survivors' personal stories of their experiences; an explanation of trauma and the many different ways of dealing with it; news on related subjects and updates on the progress of the inquest into the deaths at Ufton Nervet, which has not yet taken place.
We want this to be a friendly site that makes you feel welcome. We hope that you find it useful and we would welcome contributions and feedback. You can email our co-ordinator, Liz, at the address given on the Contacts page or email ccme.org@which.net. If you want to hear a human voice, call her on 01635 30644 – if she is not available when you ring, please leave your name and number and she will return your call as soon as soon as she can.
The Ufton Nervet train crash
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 and, unusually, every carriage was overturned to varying degrees. Survivors had to find their way out of the train in the rain and dark across a rough field or along the track to a country lane.
A major rescue operation was activated across the County involving Fire, Ambulance and Police emergency services.
About 200 people (estimates vary) 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 trauma, shock and physical injuries.
This tragic event changed many people's lives and left a trail of devastation reaching far beyond the route from London to Plymouth.