An extraordinary railway accident

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An extraordinary railway accident

A woman is thrown onto a locomotive after a collision with her cart at Shelford, Cambridgeshire. The terrified woman clings onto a rail at the front of the train as it continues to steam along

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Media ID 4413600

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1859 Accident Cambridgeshire Collision Extraordinary Locomotive

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> Europe > United Kingdom > England > Cambridgeshire > Related Images

> Transportation > Trains

EDITORS COMMENTS
In this extraordinary photograph from the past, the aftermath of a devastating railway accident unfolds at Shelford, Cambridgeshire, in September 1859. The image captures a woman, her face etched with terror, clinging onto a rail at the front of a locomotive after a collision with her cart. The scene is one of chaos and destruction, with debris scattered across the tracks and the steam engine belching thick plumes of smoke into the air. The third railways accident in just a few months in the area, this unfortunate incident occurred when the woman, likely a local resident, failed to hear the approaching train due to the heavy rain and thick fog. Unable to move out of the way in time, her cart was struck by the locomotive, sending her flying onto the moving train. Despite the harrowing circumstances, the woman's quick thinking and reflexes saved her life. She managed to grab hold of the rail at the front of the train, preventing herself from being thrown under the wheels. The train continued to steam along, carrying the woman with it for several miles before coming to a stop. This historical photograph is a stark reminder of the dangers and uncertainties that came with the early days of railway travel. The collision at Shelford was a grim reminder of the importance of safety measures and the need for constant vigilance on the part of both train operators and passengers. The image, taken from Mary Evans Prints Online, is a poignant and powerful testament to the human spirit and the resilience of those who lived through such harrowing experiences. It offers a unique glimpse into the past, transporting us back to a time when the world moved at a different pace and the future was uncertain.

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