In December 1968, a collision between a train and a school bus rocked the town of Kempsey.
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A total of six students between the ages of 11 and 14 lost their lives, while 19 more were injured, the Argus reported. The accident was the worst in Kempsey’s history.
I'll never forget the scene
Students were hurled from the school bus as the express train ploughed into the rear end of the vehicle, with some bus seats flying distances of 50 feet. The bus was travelling from Kempsey High School and the Kempsey Convent School to South Kempsey and farming centres towards Dondingalong.
Following the crash, neighbours arrived on the scene to attend to the crying children with umbrellas, blankets and pillows, waiting in the rain for the ambulance and doctors to arrive.
Over the weeks that followed the town came together in mourning.
One neighbour told the Argus, “It was terrible. I heard the crash and walked on to the verandah. I will never forget the scene.”
And neither did the community. Memorial Grove was built at South Kempsey Park where a collection of trees and a memorial plaque honour the 1968 Middleton railway crossing tragedy. But with 2018 marking the accident’s 50th anniversary, locals want to do more.
Former Kempsey mayor, dedicated local, and Order of Australia Medal recipient John Bowell is leading an initiative to host a memorial ceremony in honour of the children who were killed.
With the support of local schools and businesses, Mr Bowell is calling out to the community to get behind the event.
“A memorial service would acknowledge and honour the 50th anniversary of that fatal railway crossing bus accident,” Mr Bowell said.
“There is little doubt that this tragedy touched many in our community.”
Locals interested in helping Mr Bowell and the local schools working with him can contact johnhbowell@yahoo.com.au.
