The Tragedy of Miss Ruby Howells: A Dramatic Reconstruction

South Wales Daily Post

As published in the South Wales Daily Post in July 1912—accompanied by a stark photograph showing the exact spot where the calamity occurred—the tragic story of Miss Ruby Howells, a young and respected schoolmistress of 16 Victoria Crescent, Gowerton, unfolded with haunting clarity. What began as her hurried attempt to catch the familiar 7.35 a.m. train from Swansea Bay Station became, within moments, one of the most shocking railway accidents ever reported in the district.

A Fatal Decision

Running late, Miss Howells reached the station just as the Gowerton train was drawing in on the opposite platform. Rather than cross by the passenger bridge, she attempted a perilous short cut, leaping down onto the permanent way in a desperate bid to reach her train before it departed. In her haste—and perhaps hindered by her slight deafness—she failed to notice the mineral train advancing from the direction of Gowerton.

Witnesses later described the moment with chilling clarity. She practically jumped in front of the oncoming engine, landing just far enough aside to avoid instant death, but not far enough to escape its terrible sweep.

The Eyewitness Account

Mr. Matthew Thomas, a clerk at Baldwins’ Steel Works and a long‑time travelling companion of Miss Howells, recounted the scene with visible distress. He had crossed the bridge while she went to the booking office. From the top of the steps he saw the Gowerton train arrive—and saw her realise she was late.

“She attempted to take a short cut,” he said, “by jumping down onto the line.”

Thomas shouted for her to get back. Others on the far side shouted too. But she did not hear. She tried to scramble up onto the platform, placing her hands on the edge and lifting one leg. For a moment, it seemed she might escape.

Then the goods train struck her.

Thomas saw her legs thrown violently into the air as she fell beneath the wheels. The train continued forward until his frantic shouting brought it to a halt.

The Aftermath

When rescuers reached her, the horror was unmistakable. One foot had been completely severed; the other was crushed beyond saving. Ambulance men aboard the train rendered immediate aid, and the service was delayed while they fought to keep her alive.

Miss Howells remained conscious. She asked for water. And in a voice described as heartbreakingly calm, she murmured:

“Take me home to die.”

A Life of Promise

The tragedy struck Gowerton with profound sorrow. Miss Howells had been educated at Swansea Training College and had served at Cwm, Bon‑y‑maen before taking her post at Gowerton Girls’ Council School. Colleagues and pupils alike spoke warmly of her gentle nature and genial disposition.

A station official later stated that he had urged her to use the bridge, but in her rush she disregarded the advice. Her slight deafness may have prevented her hearing the warnings shouted from both sides of the station.

She was taken to hospital and operated upon at one o’clock that afternoon. Her condition remained critical.