Thornaby will honor the victims of the Dibbles Bridge disaster with a church service and memorial tribute this May.
Thornaby: It was one of the worst road disasters in Britain. Over 30 people lost their lives in this tragic event.
On May 27, 1975, a coach carrying day-trippers crashed at Dibbles Bridge. The bus rolled down a bank and landed on its roof. Sadly, 32 passengers and the driver died, while 14 others were injured.
Emergency responders worked tirelessly for two and a half hours to rescue the victims. Ambulance driver David Rhodes described the scene as horrific.
The close-knit community of Thornaby was heartbroken. Many services have been held to remember the victims. A memorial stone was placed outside the town hall in 2022.
This May marks the 50th anniversary of the disaster. A church service will take place at St Paul’s Church at 11 am, led by the Bishop of Whitby. Afterward, a tribute will be laid at the memorial stone.
Brakes Failed on Coach
The elderly passengers were enjoying their trip when disaster struck. As they headed for afternoon tea, the coach’s brakes failed on a steep hill.
The bus crashed through a stone wall and landed in a garden near the River Dibb. Local residents rushed to help those trapped inside.
Lincoln Seligman, a barrister, was the first to arrive. He was staying nearby and immediately helped pull people from the wreckage.
Lincoln and three teenagers provided first aid until ambulances arrived. The tragedy led to a major safety inquiry and new laws for bus braking standards.
This remains the deadliest road accident in British history. Many victims were active volunteers in Thornaby.
Among them was Dorothy White, 62, the trip organizer and former mayoress. She was known for her “mystery trips” and was beloved in the community.
A film released in 2019 shared stories from survivors. Eyewitnesses recalled the terrifying moments as the coach sped downhill.
Thornaby councillor Steve Walmsley remembers the day vividly. He was in the area when news of the crash spread slowly.
“Everyone knew someone affected,” he said. The atmosphere in town was one of shock and grief.
Steve believes more should have been done to remember the disaster. “Very few people outside Thornaby know about it,” he noted.
For the anniversary service, they expect witnesses and the original MP to attend. “We want to make sure this tragedy is remembered,” he said.
The 33 victims included many cherished community members. Their names are still remembered today.
