BACK in 1960 the infamous Seven Rail Bridge Disaster took place on Tuesday October 25.

Former Gazette photographer captured the aftermath of the disaster in which five men lost their lives and he published them on his Facebook page David Ireland's Gazette Pictures From The Past and are reproduced here..

Two tankers collided and brought down the Sharpness - Lydney link.

Chris Witts wrote about the disaster in his book and website Severn Tales.

"The tankers concerned were the Arkendale H, loaded with 300 tons of black oil, bound from Swansea to Worcester and the Wastdale H, loaded with 350 tons of petroleum spirit, bound from Avonmouth to Worcester, both operated by John Harker Limited.

"On reaching Berkeley Power Station about 10 p.m. the fog descended very quickly and crews of the vessels were alerted to listen for the fog horn on Sharpness Pier. The Arkendale H was already swinging off Sharpness, stemming the tide waiting to enter the port when the tug Addie and tow came across the barges bow forcing skipper George Thompson to go full astern.

"A collision was avoided, but the tanker barge lost momentum against the tide and was drifting back towards the old dock entrance. George Thompson suddenly saw another vessel come out of the fog and brush against his barge, he shouted to the other craft if they knew where they were. The reply was no, they didn't know where they were."

If you have any old photographs from the Gazette patch please email them to matthew.holmes@newsquest.co.uk