SEVERN BRIDGE DISASTER
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
DISASTERS 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
Copyright © 2008 Severn Tales. All Rights Reserved
ISBN 978-0-9532711-3-9
Price £4.95
Incredibly, despite 50 years of tides sweeping over them, the barges remain in the Severn off Purton.
Three survived.
Tragically five crewmen were killed.
Thick fog lay across the Severn off Sharpness.
Two tanker barges laden with highly volatile oil products hit the Severn Railway Bridge.....
