Singleton Bank rail crash

The Singleton Bank rail crash occurred on 16 July 1961 near Weeton, Lancashire, England.

Events
The 8:50 diesel multiple unit train from Colne to Fleetwood collided with the rear of a ballast train at about 45 mph. The latter had been working in the vicinity of Singleton Bank signal box and was about to leave to clear the section for the express.

Victims
Seven were killed (the driver and six passengers) and 116 were injured.

Report
The signalman at Singleton misunderstood a telephone message which led him to make a serious error and accept the diesel train irregularly. The accident report also strongly criticised the local inspectors for allowing poor working practices.