New memorial at Hull station honours victims of historic rail disaster
A memorial plaque has been unveiled at Hull Paragon station to honour the victims of the city’s worst rail disaster, thanks to a campaign by a local historian.
Richard M Jones has dedicated his life to writing about forgotten disasters and wanted to commemorate the victims of one of Hull’s worst tragedies.
A previous memorial to the victims was removed due to a helipad being built at Hull Royal Infirmary, so Richard, from Bridlington, suggested to TransPennine Express that a new one be installed at the station.
The accident claimed the lives of 12 people after a train from Withernsea, bound for Hull, was approaching the station while another train destined for Scarborough had just departed in the opposite direction. Both trains, scheduled to pass each other safely, were mistakenly directed onto the same line by one of the three signalmen in a nearby junction box.
Richard said: “Over the years there have already been two other memorials by the track side behind Hull Royal Infirmary, the site of the disaster. The first one was stolen, the second one had to be removed to make way for the building of the helicopter pad. Since then, there has been no way to remember the rail crash victims and it was very much in danger of being a forgotten aspect of Hull history.
“Now thanks to TransPennine Express, permission was given to have a new purpose-built memorial plaque placed on the wall inside the station near the Larkin statue.”
A ceremony took place at Hull Paragon station on (Friday 14 February) to mark 98 since the tragedy, with Richard, representatives from TransPennine Express, Hull City Council and relatives of the victims.
A minute's silence was held at 9.10am, the exact time the accident happened.
The plaque is now located in the station concourse, next to the Philip Larkin Statue
Ben Courtney, Station Manager, at TransPennine Express, said: “As part of the community of Hull, we felt it was important to commemorate this tragedy, so the victims are not forgotten.
"This memorial also serves as a significant reminder of Hull's railway heritage and history, which now holds a prominent place at the station. I’d like to express my gratitude to Richard for his efforts in campaigning for this memorial and bringing it to our attention."