Taking off his coat, Leeming was soon lending his considerable strength to the two men. The timber was easily moved. Ridgeon and Colbeck watched as the sergeant started to clear away more debris.

'We could have done with Sergeant Leeming's assistance when the accident actually happened,' said Ridgeon. 'It was a case of all hands to the pumps then. Believe it or not, things are much better now. It was chaos when I first arrived. Those with the most serious injuries have all been taken away now.'

'There still seem to be plenty of walking wounded,' said Colbeck, looking around. 'Who is that gentleman over there, for instance?'

He pointed towards a man in clerical garb whose hands and head were heavily bandaged yet who was helping an elderly woman to her feet. Having got her upright, he went off to console a man who was sitting on the grass and weeping copiously into a handkerchief.

'That's the Reverend Ezra Follis,' explained Ridgeon. 'He's a remarkable fellow. He was injured in the crash but, as soon as he was bandaged up, he did his best to offer comfort wherever he could.'

'He obviously has great resilience.'

'He also has a strong stomach, Inspector Colbeck. When they hauled out the driver of the ballast train, he was in such a hideous condition that some people were promptly sick. That little clergyman is made of sterner stuff,' Ridgeon went on with admiration. 'He didn't turn a hair. He threw a blanket over the remains then helped to lift them on to a cart, saying a prayer for the salvation of the man's soul.'

'How many fatalities have there been so far?' asked Colbeck.

'Six.'

Colbeck was surprised. 'Is that all?'

'Yes, Inspector,' replied Ridgeon. 'Given the circumstances, it's a miracle. Mind you, some of the survivors have terrible injuries and are being treated in hospital. According to the Reverend Follis, the Brighton Express left the track and careered alongside it for a couple of minutes before hitting the other train.'