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One bridge that does not survive is the Severn Railway Bridge at Sharpness. For on the night of the 25th October 1960 two tanker barges were swept into it whilst bound for Sharpness in thick fog. Two spans dropped onto the barges which subsequently caused the cargo of petrol to ignite, setting the River Severn ablaze. Five men
lost their lives that terrible night.
As a reminder of that fateful night the remains of the two barges, ARKENDALE H and WASTDALE H still lie in the Severn off Purton.



The popular book
DISASTER ON THE SEVERN
Can be viewed online at
River Severn Publications
Simply click on book cover






WASTDALE H
Loaded on the Gloucester & Sharpness Ship Canal
ARKENDALE H
Waiting to lock in at Swansea