Firefighters have joined Transport for London, emergency service partners and the families of survivors to mark 50 years since the Moorgate Tube crash, the worst peacetime loss of life on the London Underground.
Forty-three people lost their lives when a Northern City line train failed to stop and collided with the buffers at the underground station. For six days, firefighters led emergency workers in the rescue and recovery operation. Over 1,300 firefighters, 240 police officers, 80 ambulance workers, 16 doctors and numerous volunteers took part in the emergency response.
The crash site was located over 20 metres below ground, meaning all equipment had to be carried down to the platforms via the station stairs. Rescue crews were forced to work without their protective clothing at times to avoid heat exhaustion.
A makeshift operating theatre was also established on the platform by medics from The London Hospital, providing immediate emergency care, as paramedics worked to triage those rescued from the wreckage.
This morning, crews from Shoreditch and Dowgate fire stations joined Transport for London (TFL) staff at Moor Place, where a memorial is located to those that lost their lives, for a service of remembrance. They were also joined by survivors of the crash, and the family of those that lost their lives.
As part of the service the names of those that lost their lives were read aloud, followed by a moment of silence and reflection. Floral tributes were then placed at the memorial on behalf of the Brigade, TFL and family members.
Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne, London Fire Brigade, said: “Today, we remember not only the forty-three people who lost their lives in this tragic incident, but also everyone who was impacted by their loss. Fifty years ago, the lives of so many families would be forever changed in a matter of minutes, and it's important we never forget that.
“We also remember the dedication and determination of the firefighters, emergency responders and volunteers that attended the crash. For six days they carried out a complex rescue operation in difficult conditions. The response they provided is a testimony to the service we all still provide to London in an emergency.”
Chief Operating officer for TFL, Claire Mann, said: “Our thoughts remain with all of those impacted by the loss of life and injury at Moorgate station fifty years ago. We are grateful to be here to remember those people and to celebrate the heroic efforts of the emergency services and volunteers who worked tirelessly in the most difficult conditions for several days after the crash.”