47402 was stationary at Farnley Junction (Leeds) at the head of the 21.50 York to Manchester mail train, when it was hit head-on by the 20.40 Liverpool to Hull DMU. Both drivers were killed and 15 passengers on the DMU were injured, some seriously. The cause of the accident was discovered to be a fault in a lineside electrical cabinet which had resulted in the junctions' signals and points being incorrectly set, causing both trains to be directed onto the same running line; with the inevitable and tragic consequence. Despite extensive front-end damage, 47402; the second of the Falcon Works built machines, was fully repaired and continued in operational service for a further 15 years, and is today preserved at the East Lancs railway.
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