The 25th anniversary of the Selby rail crash saw King Charles extending his heartfelt good wishes to all gathered at the event. As many as four railway workers and six passengers perished in the collision near Great Heck, North Yorkshire, on February 28, 2001.
This somber occasion was marked by a service held at Selby Abbey on Saturday. Relatives of those who had lost their lives joined emergency services personnel and railway workers for the poignant ceremony. The event featured members of the British Transport Police standing in silent remembrance as candles were lit for each of the 10 victims.
Former British Transport Police superintendent Tony Thompson, who was present at the scene in 2001, read aloud a letter from Charles’ private secretary to King Charles. In his message, the king wished all attendees the best during this significant anniversary ceremony dedicated to remembrance.
The service included former emergency services personnel and an ambulance officer who had responded to the crash site in 2001. About 200 people attended the solemn gathering at the Abbey, including a representative from the first rescue team dispatched to the incident’s scene.
Mr Thompson noted the importance of such gatherings as a way to collectively commemorate a national disaster. “I think obviously any death is important,” he said, “but when you’re part of a significant event like this one, it’s really crucial that we remember together and share our experiences.”