Victims of Dibble’s Bridge coach crash remembered on 50th anniversary

The victims of a coach crash that cost dozens of lives in North Yorkshire have been remembered on the 50th anniversary of the tragedy.

A memorial service was held today (Tuesday, May 27) on the 50th anniversary of the Dibble’s Bridge coach crash in the Yorkshire Dales, which claimed the lives of 33 people in 1975.

At the same time, members of North Yorkshire Council’s executive and officers held a minute’s silence at County Hall in Northallerton.[modula id="6445"]

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for highways and transport, Cllr Keane Duncan, said: "The Dibble's Bridge coach crash remains one of the darkest days in British motoring history. Our thoughts are with the families and communities forever changed by the events of that day.

"In the years since, there have been significant and welcome improvements to vehicle safety standards, including to braking systems - progress shaped partly by this tragic incident.

“Sadly, though, we have seen further fatalities at Dibble’s Bridge since the 1975 crash, including three cyclists who have lost their lives on the bridge’s notoriously tricky descent.

"We've taken key steps to help reduce the risk of further tragedies, through improved road safety measures and enhanced signage.

“We continue to urge people to navigate the descent to the bridge with care and attention.”

Cllr Glenn Eastick, Chair of Thornaby Town Council and Mayor of Thornaby on Tees, said: “The Dibble’s Bridge coach crash was a moment that shocked the nation and left a lasting impact on our community.

“Today’s memorial at St Paul’s Church was an opportunity to remember those that sadly lost their lives 50 years ago."

On May 27, 1975, the coach with day-trippers from Thornaby onboard crashed at the bottom of a steep hill at Dibble's Bridge, near Hebden in North Yorkshire.

Thirty-three people on board were killed, and 13 others injured. It is considered to be the worst-ever road accident in the United Kingdom based on the number of fatalities.

Following the crash, an inquest was held which confirmed the accident was caused by the inability of the driver to negotiate the bend, owing to deficient brakes on the coach, due to possible lack of care in the maintenance of the braking system.

Even before the 1975 crash, there had been a campaign to have electro-magnetic retarders fitted to all coaches that assist in stopping the vehicles.

The Dibble’s Bridge crash brought the issue to the public’s attention and ultimately legislation was passed that required improved braking systems.

Although the cause of the crash was due to inability of the driver to negotiate the bend and vehicle defects, the B6265 is a steep road with a sharp bend at Dibble’s Bridge.

North Yorkshire Council has introduced a number of safety measures to warn and help protect drivers and cyclists.

This includes the installation of a fixed barrier and the strengthening of the parapet, as well as additional signage – including vehicle activated – well in advance of the approach the bridge.

The memorial service, conducted by the Bishop of Whitby, took place at St Paul’s Church, Thornaby Road at 11am.

Representatives of Thornaby Town Council, North Yorkshire Council’s chairman Cllr George Jabbour, family members of those who sadly lost their lives, as well as first responders and witnesses, attended to pay their respects and remember the victims.

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Aaron Kearney

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