On the way back from Sydney today (I live in Melbourne), I stopped at Violet Town, where there is a memorial park to a serious but little-remembered rail accident that happened in 1969.




I've mentioned the accident in previous posts on the Victorian S class locomotives:
https://www.marklin-user...ed-diesels-still-working
https://www.marklin-user...t47967-Victorian-S-Class

Details of the accident here:
https://en.wikipedia.org...iolet_Town_rail_accident


Photograph by Bob Beel - https://www.slv.vic.gov....pic-aaa07848/2/ld000020,

The accident was a head-on collision, caused by a combination of poor safety systems, the driver being dead from a diagnosed heart condition and negligence on the part of the remaining two crew. On the plus side of human nature, though, the accident happened at the edge of the village of Violet Town, and the residents immediately set about rescuing passengers from the burning wreckage of the train. A number were later awarded with bravery medals.

In 2019 a memorial park was established - it's quite lovely, and has information signs, a Southern Aurora carriage from the era and a number of signs and art works that commemorate the bravery of the citizens who went to the aid of those trapped and injured.

It's well worth turning off the motorway if you are ever in the neighbourhood. Also the Produce Store Cafe in town makes an excellent coffee.

The park is next to Violet Town railway station. There are also some additional photos and signs at the level crossing south of town, which is where the accident happened.

Coincidentally, while I was at the southern level crossing the XPT came past:



This is an 80s era diesel set based on the now-retired British Rail "High Speed Train", travelling the same Melbourne-Sydney route that the crashed Southern Aurora served.

Edited by user 01 October 2023 13:48:39(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified