IT was a hug that said it all. Andy Hill and widow Mary Dunn tearfully embrace at the spot where their lives changed forever - a year ago today.
They joined more than two dozen relatives and survivors at Great Heck to mark the exact moment - 6.15am - when a GNER express and a freight train collided.
Mrs Dunn, who lost her husband Stephen, the driver of the freight train, in the crash, made a pilgrimage to the place where his cab came to rest, to pay her own silent tribute.
Later, she met with Mr Hill, Stephen's colleague on that fateful day, in a moment of pure emotion.
They watched as a GNER express and a freight train passed each other on opposite sides of the track to mark the sombre anniversary.
Travelling at reduced speed, each sounded its horn as relatives stood together, many holding hands, in the memorial garden and silently wept.
They laid flowers and hugged as they came face to face once again with the tragedy, in which ten people lost their lives.
Detective superintendent Peter McKay, of North Yorkshire Police, said: "There have been a number of emotional moments. I hope relatives will use this day as a turning point. Some will find it difficult. The scene, a year ago, was one of utter carnage. Now the garden of remembrance is in its place. It will be a permanent reminder of the crash,
but it will also be a place where relatives will be able to come and reflect."
Superintendent Nick Bracken, of British Transport Police, said: "The moment when those two trains passed each other brought home the reality of what happened last year.
"Seeing the faces on the train looking out, the same kind of people on the train as a year ago, brings it back. People have come here today and wanted to be here for that moment. It was very poignant."
GNER chief executive Christopher Garnett said: "GNER will never forget the
awful events that unfolded as dawn broke on February 28, last year. It is still deeply saddening on the anniversary and this is a time for
reflection and for coming to terms with the ordeal."
Updated: 11:01 Thursday, February 28, 2002
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