Today (May 10) marks 20 years since seven people died in the tragic Potters Bar rail crash.

The West Anglia Great Northern passenger train, travelling 97mph from Kings Cross to Kings Lynn, derailed at a faulty set of points at Potters Bar on May 10, 2002.

Six of the victims were passengers, who were: Austen Kark, 75; Emma Knights, 29; Chia-hsin Lin, 29; Prince Alexander Ogunwusi, 42; Jonael Schickler, 25, and Chia-Ching Wu, 30.

Agnes Quinlivan, 80, was killed by falling debris as she walked near the station.

Watford Observer: The train at Potters Bar. Credit: PAThe train at Potters Bar. Credit: PA

To pay respects to the seven deaths, a service was held at Our Lady and St Vincent Church, as well as a private memorial for family members at the station.

Following the service, many councillors and representatives of emergency services shared their thoughts twenty years on.

Read the original report at the time: Seven die in Potters Bar rail crash

Councillor John Graham, the deputy mayor of Hertsmere, said: "The incident left a profound and indelible mark on our community. We will never forget those who lost their lives or those left behind to grieve and forced to rebuild their worlds after it.

“Our thanks go to the emergency services, whose indefatigable efforts on the day helped ensure more lives were not lost.

Watford Observer: From left to right, front row, are Deputy Mayor of Hertsmere, Cllr John Graham; Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Colonel Kevin Fitzgerald, and Chairman of Hertfordshire County Council, Cllr Seamus QuiltyFrom left to right, front row, are Deputy Mayor of Hertsmere, Cllr John Graham; Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Colonel Kevin Fitzgerald, and Chairman of Hertfordshire County Council, Cllr Seamus Quilty

“This incident had serious repercussions for local people, the rail industry, and other national institutions, but it also demonstrated the strength of the community spirit, which characterises Potters Bar and the whole of our borough. A spirit which lives on to this day.”

Andy Hopcraft, the deputy chief fire officer for Hertfordshire, recalled how the fire and rescue team worked “tirelessly” to evacuate the injured and help save the lives of others.

Watford Observer: Police at the servicePolice at the service

He said: “It's important that we never forget the passengers, station staff, emergency services and their loved ones, who were all profoundly affected by this terrible tragedy."

Meanwhile Potters Bar Labour councillor Chris Myers said: “I remember this like it was yesterday. The scenes at the station and around Darkes Lane were horrific.

“Today we remember that fateful day with a heavy heart and pay our respects to all those that we lost and extend our thoughts and love to their families.”