The train had passed over the bridge safely in the morning with a full load of coal, and was returning to Kenilworth with the empty wagons at 7 am.

The 30 ton locomotive fell through the deck of the bridge onto the road below, and the tender crashed into the cab, killing driver and fireman instantly.

Many of the empty wagons behind were dragged into the gap to form a pile almost up to the height of nearby telegraph poles.

He reported that the five cast iron girders which supported the base of the wooden bridge had all fractured near their centres, and so caused the accident.

Although no-one was killed, the furore caused by the Norwood Junction rail accident led to a survey of all under-bridges.