Knottingley Bus Crash

Two RAF buses, which were returning to Snaith after a recreational outing in Pontefract for the staff, were passing through Knottingley when the rear vehicle failed to take the corner near the Town Hall. It crashed into the Vicarage wall, a great part of which was knocked down, and overturned. Most of the occupants were injured, and five were dead when extracted. Three others died in Pontefract General Infirmary.

Members of the local Civil Defence Casualty Services, which include the first-aid post and Ambulance and first-aid parties (under Dr. E. Murphy), with police, soldiers and members of the public were quickly on the scene and rescue work was carried out by means of hand torches and storm lanterns. The emergency door at the rear of the bus was forced open and the injured and dead were gradually removed. The injured men were all treated at the Knottingley First-Aid Post before being taken to the Pontefract General Infirmary where 25 were admitted. Only four of the occupants of the bus escaped injury, including the driver (, but three who were only slightly injured were allowed to return to their station.