Watford train crash pictures unearthed nearly 30 years on

On the evening of Thursday, August 8, 1996, a passenger service from London Euston collided with another train just south of Watford Junction.

The crash killed 54-year-old Ruth Holland, while a further 68 people were injured, including four crew members.

Train driver Peter Afford, of Normansfield Close, Bushey, was charged with manslaughter.

The scene of the accident with the Harlequin Centre in the background (Image: Watford Observer)

He was accused of ignoring a series of warning lights but was found not guilty.

Following the verdict, Afford said: "I am relieved the nightmare of the last months during which I have been facing this charge are now over, not only for myself but for my family.

"I will have to live with this tragedy for the rest of my days and my deepest condolences go to the family and friends of Ruth Holland.

"My hope is the shortcomings on this line will be taken on board and improvements will be made to avert any further repetition."

Fire and rescue personnel climb the embankment towards the wreckage (Image: Watford Observer)

These are some of the images that were captured by Watford Observer photographers of one of the biggest stories to have happened in this newspaper’s 161-year history.

Rescue workers on top of the derailed train (Image: Watford Observer)

An air ambulance at the scene (Image: Watford Observer)

An ambulance leaves the scene as emergency personnel walk through a tunnel (Image: Watford Observer)

Emergency workers in conversation with the YMCA in the background (Image: Watford Observer)

Emergency vehicles rushed to the scene of the crash (Image: Watford Observer)

Reporters and photographers gather as night falls (Image: Watford Observer)

Railway workers inspect the wreckage (Image: Watford Observer)

A crane was brought in to help lift the wreckage (Image: Watford Observer)

The investigation into the collision is underway (Image: Watford Observer)