DONEMANA

TRAIN CRASH

7 SEPTEMBER 1913

The following photographs were taken in the days following the train crash that occurred at Donemana on Sunday 7 September 1913. They show the wrecked train and clear up operation.

[Source: Jim McBride & Paul Wright]

The north end of Donemana station showing an overturned coach adjacent to the signal box. Standing on the down line facing north is a CDR locomotive and coach which would have travelled to Donemana to assist with the clear up operation.


Railway workers and interested locals are seen posing for the camera with a wrecked coach as the backdrop. This view was taken at the north end of the station and the goods shed can
be seen in the background.

Another view taken at the north end of the station showing the overturned coach. A member of the station staff, possibly the Station Master, is seen walking along the up platform. Young boys and even a dog appear to have been drawn to the scene.


In this view looking south the 7 September 1913 crash is clearly illustrated. Donemana station was a passing point on the MR’s single track Derry/Londonderry – Strabane line.  The station with its two platforms and twin tracks can be seen beyond the wreckage. To the left is the overturned locomotive that had been hauling the 9.00pm Londonderry Victoria Road to Strabane train when it passed over a 6mph restricted section of track at an estimated speed of between 30 and 40mph. Next to the overturned engine is an overturned coach which is blocking the down loop line. Workmen appear to be engaged with the wrecked coach whilst officials and curious locals watch the activity.


A view taken from the goods yard of Donemana station looking north. The station signal cabin can be seen to the left. A group of people can be seen posing in front of overturned CDR locomotive number 9 'Letterkenny'. The engine seems to have struck an open wagon that was standing in the yard. The wagon appears to be leaning slightly.


Locomotive number 9 'Letterkenny' as it had come to rest after it had overturned due to excessive speed on Sunday evening of 7 September 1913. The line which it was travelling along is seen to the left.


Photographs of the Donemana accident clearly show that it was a big draw for local people. In this view a group of individuals are seen looking at the overturned coach whilst railway employees continue with the clear up.


The north end of Donemana station showing the overturned locomotive, a badly damaged coach and wreckage from the accident.

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