Welwyn Garden City rail crashes

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Two rail crashes occurred near Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, England.

1935 Welwyn Garden City rail crash
- When: 15 June 1935, 23:27
- Where: East Coast Main Line, near Welwyn Garden City
- What happened: A Leeds-bound train collided with the rear of a Newcastle-bound train after a signalman incorrectly allowed a second train into a block that was already occupied.
- Casualties: 14 people died and 81 were injured (29 severely).
- Cause and impact: The signalman’s error and busy working conditions led to the crash. The event prompted improvements in signalling practice, including tying block signals to track circuits (an approach known as Welwyn Control).

1957 Welwyn Garden City rail crash
- When: 7 January 1957, dawn
- Where: About half a mile south of Welwyn Garden City station
- What happened: In foggy conditions, an Aberdeen–London express passed signals at danger and collided with the rear of a local train that had just begun to move.
- Casualties: 1 person died and 44 were injured (26 seriously).
- Aftermath: The express locomotive overturned and the driver was badly shaken. This crash contributed to further safety improvements in signalling and procedures.