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Great Western Trains
Southall Inquiry Re-opens 20 Sep 99
Seven days . . . . . . web focus on rail safety and accidents in the last week |
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8 confirmed dead in rush hour train collision near Paddington station: Tuesday, October 05, 1999Eight people have been confirmed dead in a collision today between an express passenger train and a commuter
The accident occurred at 08:11 during the morning rush hour at Ladbroke Grove, about 3 miles from Paddington station. The trains involved were the 08:06 Thames Trains service from London to Bedwyn in Wiltshire and the 06:03 Great Western Intercity 125 from Cheltenham which was approaching Paddington. Early indications are that the Thames train ran into the side of the IC 125. Fire broke out amongst the wreckage creating a pall of smoke over the surrounding area. It is thought that the fire started as a result of a fuel tank being punctured in the lead power car of the IC125 The London Ambulance Service has announced that there are still a number of people trappped in the wreckage as 160 people, including some children were being treated for injuries. Many suffered burns. At least 16 people have suffered severe injuries and according to a hospital spokesperson 4 have injuries which are life-threatening. An investigation by the Health & Safety Executive and British Transport Police into the cause of the accident has begun. A public inquiry is currently being conducted by the Health & Safety Executive into an accident involving another GWT IC125 which occurred two years ago at southall which is on the same stretch of line.
Telephone help lines have been set up for those concerned about relatives or friends who may have been travelling on the trains Scotland Yard Casualty Centre 01793 499 458 Great Western Trains 01242 276 729 Gloucestershire Police
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This file last updated: Tuesday, 05-Oct-1999 10:12:24 EDT