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Centenary of Cramlington Train Derailment, a Strike's Legacy
10 May
Summary
- Miners sabotaged tracks during the 1926 General Strike, causing the derailment.
- Passengers on the Flying Scotsman sustained only minor injuries.
- Eight Cramlington miners were imprisoned but released early due to union pressure.
Events are being held to mark the centenary of the 1926 derailment of the Flying Scotsman passenger train near Cramlington, Northumberland. This incident occurred during the General Strike when striking miners sabotaged the London to Edinburgh mainline.
Their intention was to stop a coal train, but they unintentionally caused the Flying Scotsman, carrying 281 passengers, to derail on May 10, 1926. Fortunately, the driver had been alerted and was slowing down, resulting in only minor injuries like shock and bruises for passengers.
In the aftermath, eight Cramlington miners were sentenced to eight years in prison for their actions. However, pressure from trade unions led to their early release. The commemorations, organized by Cramlington Heritage Hub, include walks and an exhibition reflecting on the historical event and its community impact.
