ScotRail has today (Tuesday 30 July) marked the 35th anniversary of the Polmont rail disaster by laying a wreath at the station in memory of those who lost their lives.
Thirteen people died and dozens more were injured in the tragic event on Monday 30 July 1984, when a rush hour service from Edinburgh to Glasgow derailed near Polmont station.
The accident happened at around 5.55pm when the 5.30pm British Rail Class 47/7 service from Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Queen Street struck a cow, derailing the locomotive and all six carriages.
In 2009 – on the 25th anniversary - ScotRail and the local council unveiled a commemorative plaque at Polmont station during a memorial service attended by survivors, family of those who lost their lives, representatives of the emergency services and local council.
At a memorial service at the station today, attended by representatives from ScotRail, Network Rail and Falkirk Council, ScotRail Operations Director David Simpson and Councillor Adanna McCue laid wreaths below the plaque in memory of the thirteen people who died.
ScotRail Operations Director David Simpson said:
“Our thoughts are with the friends and families of those who lost their lives 35 years ago today in such a tragic event.
“It’s unimaginable to think that a loved one heading back from work, holiday or a day out wouldn’t make it home.
“It’s also important to recognise the response to the accident from the emergency services and railway colleagues - in what was extremely traumatic circumstances everyone involved pulled together with excellent co-ordination and co-operation.”