On 28 February 1975, one of the deadliest railway accidents in British history occurred when a Northern City Line train crashed into the wall at Moorgate station in London. The catastrophic event resulted in the deaths of 43 people and left 74 others injured. The cause of the accident, the public’s reaction, and the measures implemented afterward have shaped railway safety to this day. The tragedy also bears a poignant resemblance to Greece’s Tempi train disaster, which occurred exactly two years ago today, on 28 February 2023, reinforcing the continuing need for vigilance in railway safety.
Causes of the Moorgate tube crash
The Moorgate crash was unique in that it was not caused by mechanical failure but by human factors. The train, operated by 56-year-old driver Leslie Newson, approached the Moorgate terminus at an unusually high speed of around 35 mph (56 km/h) and failed to stop. Despite the application of the emergency brakes by automatic systems, the train collided with the buffer stop and the tunnel wall, causing severe damage to the first three carriages, which telescoped under the force of the impact.
Investigations into the incident concluded that Newson had not attempted to apply the brakes, but no definitive reason for his actions was ever found. There was no evidence of alcohol or drug use, and he had been in good health. While the possibility of a medical episode such as a stroke or heart attack was considered, there was no conclusive proof. Some theories suggested fatigue, microsleep, or an undetected medical condition as potential explanations.
Public reaction and response
The Moorgate crash sent shockwaves through the UK. The scale of devastation and the horrific injuries sustained by passengers triggered widespread outcry and demands for improved railway safety. Families of the victims, the media, and the general public pressed for answers, and the government faced pressure to ensure such a disaster would not happen again.
The emotional impact of the tragedy was profound, particularly among survivors and emergency responders. Many of those involved suffered from post-traumatic stress, with some describing the rescue operation as one of the most harrowing in London’s history due to the difficulty of extricating victims from the crushed carriages.
Measures taken to improve safety
The investigation into the crash led to significant reforms in railway safety protocols:
- The Moorgate Protection System (MPS) – A key measure introduced following the crash was an automatic stopping mechanism, which would apply emergency brakes if a train approached a dead-end at excessive speed. This system has since been implemented across various railway networks.
- Changes in train cab design – More ergonomic and accessible emergency brake mechanisms were introduced to prevent similar failures.
- Driver medical screening – Stricter medical assessments for train drivers were enforced, ensuring they were fit to operate trains.
- Revised safety regulations – The crash prompted London Transport and British Rail to review and strengthen operational safety guidelines.
Lessons and links to the Tempi train disaster
The Moorgate crash serves as a stark reminder of the catastrophic consequences of railway accidents. The tragic echoes of this disaster were felt again on 28 February 2023, when the Tempi train collision in Greece resulted in 57 fatalities. In that case, a passenger train and a freight train collided head-on due to human error and systemic failures in Greece’s railway infrastructure. Much like in the aftermath of Moorgate, public outrage in Greece led to calls for urgent railway safety improvements.
Also read: 28/02/2023: Remembering the victims of the Tempi tragedy
