King Charles has sent a heartfelt message to those marking 25 years since the Selby rail crash, one of the UK’s most tragic rail disasters.
The collision took place on February 28, 2001, near the village of Great Heck in North Yorkshire. An InterCity passenger train crashed into a freight train carrying coal, claiming the lives of four railway workers and six passengers.
To honour the 10 victims, relatives gathered at Selby Abbey alongside members of the emergency services and railway staff. During the memorial service, candles were lit in tribute to each person who lost their life.
Former British Transport Police superintendent Tony Thompson, who was at the scene in 2001, read a letter from the King’s private secretary. In it, Charles expressed that his heartfelt thoughts and prayers remain with the families, friends and all those affected. He asked for his warmest good wishes to be shared with everyone attending the day of remembrance.
The King previously attended a memorial service at York Minster in the weeks following the disaster, showing his support for those impacted.
Around 200 people were present at the anniversary event, including the first ambulance officer to arrive at the crash site. Mr Thompson described the service as deeply emotional, saying moments like these matter greatly, especially when communities come together after a national tragedy to remember and reflect.
The anniversary served as a quiet but powerful reminder of the lives lost and the lasting impact the disaster continues to have on families and responders alike.
