Medway Creek rail disaster

The Medway Creek rail disaster occurred on 26 February 1960 when the Midlander, a passenger train service that operated in central-Queensland, crashed while crossing over the bridge above Medway Creek, near Bogantungan, Queensland, Australia.[1]

Events

Incident

The disaster occurred at 2:30am when the train was passing over the bridge above the flooded Medway Creek. The pylons of the bridge had been severely damaged by the impact from a 12-tonne gum tree that had been swept downstream in the floodwaters.[2] As the train crossed the creek, the bridge collapsed causing the two steam locomotives and three sleeping cars to fall 7.6 metres into the flooded creek.[2] Seven people were killed including the driver, the fireman and a conductor as well as four passengers, including two children. Another 43 people were injured in the accident.[2] A special train was organised to travel to the accident scene to assist. Emerald doctor, Charles Whitchurch, and a flying doctor from Mount Isa attended the scene.[3]

Rescue

One of the people credited with helping save injured passengers, including 15 children, at the accident scene was Lawrence Murray, an Aboriginal railway fettler who had been travelling in the last carriage with his wife, children and grandchild.[4] During the resulting investigation, a Board of Inquiry heard that Murray had rushed down to the wreckage which was partially submerged in the floodwaters and helped carry children to the creek bank before entering the other carriages to look for more survivors.[4] Murray suffered minor injuries including gashes to his feet from broken glass after taking off his shoes while working to help survivors.[4] Murray died of a heart attack following the accident, but was posthumously honoured with the Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct, along with two other passengers, John Bennett and Alan Streeter.[5]

Aftermath

Several anniversary commemorations have been held since the accident.[6] A museum at Bogantungan displays memorabilia from the accident.[2]

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References
  1. 7 Die in Q'land Train Crash, The Canberra Times, 27 February 1960. Retrieved from National Library of Australia 8 December 2017.
  2. Siegmeier, Melinda Crash survivor recalls disaster, The Morning Bulletin, 26 February 2010. Retrieved 8 December 2017.
  3. Spackman, Katherine Dr, ABC Capricornia, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 10 June 2008. Retrieved 8 December 2017.
  4. Barefoot Aborigine Hero of Q'land Train Crash, The Canberra Times, 12 March 1960. Retrieved from National Library of Australia 8 December 2017.
  5. In Queensland This Week, The Canberra Times, 9 March 1961. Retrieved from National Library of Australia 8 December 2017.
  6. Medway disaster, Central Queensland News, 26 February 2016. Retrieved 8 December 2017.

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