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Derailment and Fire at Summit Tunnel
16/12/2025 @ 16:30 - 18:00
John Worswick, Retired Bridge Engineer
Lancaster, Barrow and Carlisle Section in-person meeting
On 20th December 1984 a train of tank wagons carrying petroleum products was derailed in Summit Tunnel, which is located between Rochdale and Todmorden on the Calder Valley route between Manchester and Leeds. In this presentation John Worswick, who was called out to the incident and was present as the disaster unfolded, explains the involvement of the rail staff and emergency services as they assessed the immediate aftermath of the derailment; he also outlines the events which took place, including an explosion followed by a major fire, causing the closure of the route to traffic until August 1985. His account includes both contemporary newsreel coverage and also film of the contractor undertaking repair works to the tunnel, involving relining damaged brick tunnel sections, securing the tunnel walls with rock bolts and replacing 550 yards of track and sleepers.
This is the Christmas social meeting, which includes a buffet served from 16:00 onwards. It represents a particular opportunity in the section calendar for recently joined members to meet others in a social setting.
Meeting in person from 16:00 for a 16:30 start.
Empire Services Club
Hartington Road
Preston
PR1 8PP
Directions: The club is located by leaving Preston station via the main access road and turning left to walk down Fishergate as far as the second traffic signals junction (Hartington Road) on the right. The premises are located adjacent to the junction (total distance from station 0.4 miles). Limited on-street parking is available on Hartington Road opposite the club.
If you are a PWI member please book your space if would like this event to be automatically recorded in your CPD portfolio.
