40 years on: The Granville Train Disaster remembered

When commuters from the Blue Mountains to Central Station said goodbye to loved ones on the fateful day of January 18, 1977, no one could have imagined that it would be their last time.

The train derailed near Granville station, and hit one of the Bold Street Bridge supports. The 170-tonne structure collapsed on carriages three and four, killing almost everyone inside. 83 people tragically died that day, with dozens other people injured – making it the worst rail disaster in Australia’s history .

Today, RTBU NSW Secretary Alex Claassens joined with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, NSW Premier Mike Baird, and NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance, as well as representatives from Transport for NSW, community leaders, and members of the armed forces, to commemorate the tragedy and all those affected.

The anniversary was marked by a remembrance mass and wreath laying ceremony.

“We will never forget
We will always remember
These names will never fade
In our minds and in our hearts
With their God they rest.”

The RTBU NSW sends its respects to the victims and their families, and all involved that day.