On passing Cleckheaton Branch junction at Mirfield the engine driver of a goods train from the branch overran the junction stop signal, and failed to bring his train to a stand before his engine fouled the up main line.
On the night of the 7th January, 1861, a serious accident occurred to the Bangor mail train, due to leave Normanton at 10-30 p.m. for Huddersfield, Crewe, and Bangor.  On passing Cleckheaton Branch junction at Mirfield the engine driver of a goods train from the branch overran the junction stop signal, and failed to bring his train to a stand before his engine fouled the up main line.  At the time snow was falling very heavily, and covered the ground to the depth of some eight or ten inches.