Train crash was ‘tragic accident’, says Darling
Transport Secretary Alistair Darling today described Saturday’s rail crash near Reading as a “tragic accident”.
He was speaking in the House of Commons following the publication of an interim report into the crash by the Health and Safety Executive.
HSE investigators found no evidence to suggest there were any errors by railway staff, and ruled out faults with the level crossing, the signalling system or the train involved in the derailment.
Seven people were killed and 37 injured in the crash at Ufton Nervet when a First Great Western train hit a stationary car on a level crossing at over 100mph. The investigation is focusing on the theory that the driver parked his car on the railway line to commit suicide.
Quoting from the report in a statement to the House, Mr Darling said the early indications were that the car driver stopped his vehicle on the crossing before the barrier sequence commenced and made no attempt to leave the vehicle once the crossing traffic signals began to flash and the barriers descended.
He said the next stage of the inquiry would be an investigation by the Rail Safety and Standards Board, who would report back in the next six to 12 months. Should they uncover any safety issues, they would make their findings known immediately, he added.
Mr Darling explained that both Network Rail and First Great Western were working to help those involved in the accident and their families, recognising concern over the help provided in the aftermath of previous accidents.
He also passed on his condolences to the families of those killed.
