The collision killed nine people, including three United States Army personnel and Frank Heilgers, the Member of Parliament for Bury St. Edmunds.

At approximately 19:20 on 16 January 1944, in dense fog and wartime conditions, the 14:38 express train from Yarmouth was stopped at Ilford en route to London Liverpool Street.

[2] The Yarmouth train comprised a 4-6-0 steam locomotive hauling nine coaches and a two-coach articulated set.

There were nine fatalities as a consequence of the collision, including Frank Heilgers, the Member of Parliament for Bury St. Edmunds.

[3] First aid was available immediately as an American doctor and nurse had been travelling on the train; also a member of staff had been ambulance-trained.