In 1849 the Doncaster Chronicle & Farmers Journal told of two accidents in one place on one day. First a guard was run over by a train and then: "Within two hours after this had occurred, another accident happened which might have been attended with the most fatal consequences. A train had arrived from Gainsboro' and was upon its regular line, when the special train from London to Doncaster (for the races) arrived. Both had here to take in water. Unfortunately, a porter of the name of Barker interfered, and turned on e of the points, whereby the Doncaster engine and train came into contact with the Sheffield train and the consequence was that the engine and two carriages were thrown completely off the rails. Fortunately the engine driver of the London train saw the danger, and with the greatest alacrity and presence of mind, shot off the steam, and reversed the engine; otherwise the whole train would have gone slap through the other. The passengers appeared much frightened, but none of them were injured. After some delay the engine was got onto the rails again, and proceeded on its course to Doncaster".
Reference: Body, Geoffrey Great Railway Battles : dramatic conflicts of the early railway years (Peterborough ,Silver Link Publishing, 1994) p95