07/1984
The 17:30 Edinburgh to Glasgow service hit a cow standing on the track on a bend between Polmont and Falkirk. The train consist was eight coaches pushed by 47707 with a driving trailer leading. Although the driver was able to shut off the engine and apply full brake power the driving cab struck the cow so hard that it was lifted off the track. With the 47/7 still pushing from the rear of the train the leading coaches 'jack-knifed' throwing the passengers around inside; some were even hurled through the windows. In terms of the number of fatalities and injuries this accident ranks amongst the worst in recent times - 13 passengers lost their lives and a further 17 (including the driver) seriously injured. In the wake of this accident fears were raised regarding the safety of 'push-pull' type operations with a relatively light-weight DVT leading; fears which were to resurface in 2002 following the Great Heck (Selby) accident. In view of such tragic loss of life it seems almost fatuous to report that 47707, although derailed, was not significantly damaged.
08/85
47 707 caught fire at Falkirk High whilst pushing an Edinburgh-Glasgow train. Martin Couling: We were on the push-pull from Edinburgh to Glasgow, with 47 707 pushing, when the train stopped at Falkirk High, a scheduled stop, but after sitting there for about 10 minutes without moving I went to investigate and as I looked out the window of the mark 3 coach I saw 47 707 in some major flames! I went back into the carriage and told the few people that were on it that the train was on fire and they all ran like f**k! There was no announcement from the guard as he was outside with the driver watching it burn!