Nidareid train disaster

The Nidareid train disaster was a train collision on 18 September 1921 on the Trondhjem–Støren Line railway line, between the stations of Marienborg and Skansen in Trondheim, Norway. The accident occurred the day after the inauguration of the new line to Trondheim, Dovre Line, and one of the trains involved was the inaugural train returning from the celebrations in Trondheim. Six people (all prominent Norwegians) were killed in the crash, the first serious passenger train accident in Norway.

The inaugural train had on 17 September transported King Haakon VII and a retinue of followers including prominent politicians from the Norwegian government. The official opening had taken place at Hjerkinn Station which was the highest station on the line. Between there and Trondheim the inaugural train stopped at every station to give the king an opportunity to greet visitors and well-wishers. The train pulled into Trondheim that evening amidst great celebrations, and on Sunday, 18 September the celebrations continued.

Although the king would spend a few days in Trondheim, most of the participants at the festivities had business and duties to attend to in Kristiania (now Oslo). An extra night train called "Litra D" was arranged for them. The local rail district wanted to schedule this train to depart Trondheim at midnight, just after a scheduled day train (no. 361) was set to arrive after a journey on the Røros Line. In order to get the honored guests home a few minutes earlier, the schedule was altered slightly, leaving Trondheim at 23:45, with the intention of meeting and passing no. 361 at Marienborg station.

The extra train consisted of six sleeping cars, sandwiched between a luggage car at the front and the conductor's car at the end. These had also been used in the inaugural train and had doubled as wardrobes for the guests at the line's inauguration. The train was hauled by two NSB Class 30b engines, 364 and 365. A total of 96 passengers were on board this train.

The train left Trondheim at 23:54, a few minutes behind schedule. It received an all clear signal as the train passed through Skansen station on its way back to Kristiania.

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Wikipedia