Thornaby will honor the victims of the Dibbles Bridge disaster with a church service and memorial tribute on the 50th anniversary of the tragic event.
Thornaby: On May 27, 1975, a tragic road disaster occurred. A coach carrying day-trippers crashed at Dibbles Bridge, killing over 30 people.
The coach was on a mystery tour in the Yorkshire Dales. Just before 4 PM, its brakes failed. The bus sped down a steep bank and flipped onto its roof.
In total, 32 passengers and the driver lost their lives. Fourteen others were seriously injured. Emergency responders worked tirelessly for two and a half hours to rescue the victims.
Local residents rushed to help. One witness, Lincoln Seligman, described the chaos and fear at the scene. He and others provided first aid until ambulances arrived.
This disaster remains the deadliest road accident in British history. Many victims were active community members, including trip organizer Dorothy White.
On the 50th anniversary, a church service will be held at St Paul’s Church in Thornaby. The Bishop of Whitby will lead the service, followed by a tribute at the memorial stone.
The coach had been taking passengers for afternoon tea when the brakes failed. It crashed through a stone parapet and landed in a garden near the River Dibb.
Witnesses recall the terrifying moments as the coach sped downhill. The tragedy led to new safety regulations for buses and coaches in the UK.
Thornaby’s community has held many services to remember the victims. A memorial stone was erected outside the town hall in 2022.
Local councillor Steve Walmsley shared how the disaster impacted the town. He noted that many people knew someone affected by the tragedy.
Walmsley believes more should be done to remember this event. He hopes the upcoming service will raise awareness about the disaster.
In 2019, a film was made about the Dibbles Bridge disaster, featuring survivor accounts. It highlighted the lasting impact of that tragic day.
