Accident at Low Moor Iron Company, Norwood Green [1864]



On Wednesday, 1st June 1864, several people were killed on a tram way at the Low Moor Iron Company.

At Storr Hill, Wyke, a stationary engine of 20 hp raised and lowered trains of waggons to and from various pits belonging to the company.

Around 6:20 am in the morning, about 50 colliers employed at the pits between Wyke and Clifton entered the carriages at the top of the Storr Hill incline to start their shift. The train descended the incline with frightful velocity, the brakes being utterly powerless to arrest it in its course. Some of the carriages ran off the line, some were overturned and broken.

The casualties included

The accident was supposed to have been caused by the negligence of Herbert Barmby, the guard. Barmby was committed for trial at the Leeds Assizes, and sentenced to 3 months' imprisonment



© Malcolm Bull 2021
Revised 15:13 / 15th May 2021 / 3163

Page Ref: L1040_1

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