Lewisham rail crash (1857)

The Lewisham rail crash (1857) occurred just east of Lewisham railway station on 28 June 1857 and killed 11 people. The 14-carriage 21:15 from Strood, which was running 15 minutes late, pulled up 200 yards short of Lewisham station at a red signal. The guard took a red lamp to the rear of the train to warn the 21:30 train following. When he heard the approaching train he ran towards it blowing his whistle and waving the lamp. It appears that he was not seen by the driver and the standing train was struck at a speed of around 20 mph, destroying the brake van and rear carriage, killing 11 and injuring 30 more.