Six people were killed and seven injured, one since dying, in a level crossing disaster at Penny Stratford near Bletchley, on Tuesday night, when a charabanc crashed through the gates on the railway line and was struck by a train running on the branch. M.'s line from Cambridge to Bedford. One occupant of the charabanc escaped unhurt, he jumping clear. Harrowing stories are told by eye-witnesses of the scene that followed. The party in the charabanc were members of the Wesleyan Church at Woburn Sands, Beds., and had been attending a Wesleyan gathering at Bletchley. The direct "route home—the distance was only five miles—would not have taken them to the level crossing, but a detour had been made to' pick up a passenger. The following are the list of those killed and injured in the disaster:- Killed: Rev. W. and Mrs, Nightingale, of Station Road, Woburn Sands, Davison, of Stevington. atr. Bowler of Apsley Guise, Beds, Mrs, Garrett, High Street, Woburn Sands, and Mr Robert Ask, of] Apsley Guise. Injured: Mr. Nelson Payne, of Cross End. Wavenden, near Woburn Sands (driver of the charabanc). Mr. Fred Griffin, Mr. William Wood, of Woburn Sands. (since dead). 'Mrs. Fanny Tansley, aged 46, Russclt' Street Woburn Sands, and her daughter, Miss. Daphne Tinsley. Miss Polly Stone. aged 45. of Wood-street, Woburn Sands, The Rev. W. Nightingale, who formerly lived in Canada, wat pastor of the Woburn " Sands Wesleyan -Church. Mrs. Garrett, who was about 30 years of age, was the wife of a Woburn Sands postman. She had.a good voice and had been singing at the Wesleyan gathering at. Blotehley. Immediately the accident occurred information was sent to Bletchley junction, little more.than a short time. Great heroism was shown by the victims.
No explana. tion is yet forthcoming why the charabane—a Ford "tonner," built only 18 months ago—failed to stop the gates of the level crossing. There is a straight stretch of 190 yards of road approaching the Kates, which were properly lit. The oad slopes down slightly towards the gates, and the theory is held that when the brakes were applied the charabanc skidded on: the slippery surface,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.