Menu
05/10/2009
Paddington Memorial 10 Years On
Survivors and bereaved relatives stood together in silence this morning to mark the 10th anniversary of the Paddington rail crash.
They gathered at the crash memorial in Ladbroke Grove, west London, alongside Transport Secretary Lord Adonis with leading figures from the rail industry and the emergency services.
The ceremony began at 08.09am, the time when a Thames Trains diesel train leaving Paddington station and a London-bound high-speed Great Western train collided in 1999, killing 31 people.
Flowers were laid on the memorial stone which overlooks the crash site and bears the names of the dead.
A Great Western train, similar to one that crashed, passed beneath the memorial site on its way into Paddington.
Among those laying flowers were Denman Groves and his wife Maureen, from Gloucestershire. Their daughter Juliette, 25, was killed in the crash.
The accountant from Chiswick, was travelling on the Thames train which had passed through a red signal after leaving Paddington and crashed into the arriving Great Western train.
Network Rail (NR) chief executive Iain Coucher said: "I am here to pay my respects. This was an event that changed the railways. It led to a change in the mindset. You can never do anything other than put safety first."
Lord Adonis said: "Paddington was a terrible tragedy and one of the worst in the world's history. I am glad that lessons were learned from the accident and that railway safety has improved but that does not reduce the nature of the tragedy and the impact it had on so many lives."
Pam Warren, whose badly burned face came to symbolise the accident, took her first train journey in a decade to arrive at Paddington.
(GK/KMcA)
They gathered at the crash memorial in Ladbroke Grove, west London, alongside Transport Secretary Lord Adonis with leading figures from the rail industry and the emergency services.
The ceremony began at 08.09am, the time when a Thames Trains diesel train leaving Paddington station and a London-bound high-speed Great Western train collided in 1999, killing 31 people.
Flowers were laid on the memorial stone which overlooks the crash site and bears the names of the dead.
A Great Western train, similar to one that crashed, passed beneath the memorial site on its way into Paddington.
Among those laying flowers were Denman Groves and his wife Maureen, from Gloucestershire. Their daughter Juliette, 25, was killed in the crash.
The accountant from Chiswick, was travelling on the Thames train which had passed through a red signal after leaving Paddington and crashed into the arriving Great Western train.
Network Rail (NR) chief executive Iain Coucher said: "I am here to pay my respects. This was an event that changed the railways. It led to a change in the mindset. You can never do anything other than put safety first."
Lord Adonis said: "Paddington was a terrible tragedy and one of the worst in the world's history. I am glad that lessons were learned from the accident and that railway safety has improved but that does not reduce the nature of the tragedy and the impact it had on so many lives."
Pam Warren, whose badly burned face came to symbolise the accident, took her first train journey in a decade to arrive at Paddington.
(GK/KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 October 2003
Ladbrooke Grove train crash case to go ahead
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has begun its prosecution of Thames Trains Limited for alleged breaches of health and safety law in connection with the Ladbroke Grove rail collision. HSE made public its intention to prosecute both Thames Trains Limited and Railtrack PLC (now Network Rail) in March 2002.
Ladbrooke Grove train crash case to go ahead
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has begun its prosecution of Thames Trains Limited for alleged breaches of health and safety law in connection with the Ladbroke Grove rail collision. HSE made public its intention to prosecute both Thames Trains Limited and Railtrack PLC (now Network Rail) in March 2002.
28 November 2007
Rail Price Rises Defended
Commuters are facing a New Year price increase that will see rail fares rise by an average of nearly 5%. However, some commuters in the South East are being forced to pay 14.
Rail Price Rises Defended
Commuters are facing a New Year price increase that will see rail fares rise by an average of nearly 5%. However, some commuters in the South East are being forced to pay 14.
06 April 2004
Thames Trains fined £2m over Ladbrook Grove crash
Thames Trains have been fined a record £2 million for breaches of health and safety law arising out of the Ladbrooke Grove rail collision, in which 31 people died. The fine followed a one-day sentence hearing at the Old Bailey, where the judge also awarded costs of £75,000 in addition to the fine.
Thames Trains fined £2m over Ladbrook Grove crash
Thames Trains have been fined a record £2 million for breaches of health and safety law arising out of the Ladbrooke Grove rail collision, in which 31 people died. The fine followed a one-day sentence hearing at the Old Bailey, where the judge also awarded costs of £75,000 in addition to the fine.
28 August 2012
Virgin Trains To Continue Court Proceedings
Virgin Trains Limited will commence Court proceedings in respect of West Coast Main Line franchise award. The firm said in a statement: "Virgin Trains Limited (VTL) has today commenced Court proceedings in respect of the decision to award the West Coast Main Line franchise to FirstGroup.
Virgin Trains To Continue Court Proceedings
Virgin Trains Limited will commence Court proceedings in respect of West Coast Main Line franchise award. The firm said in a statement: "Virgin Trains Limited (VTL) has today commenced Court proceedings in respect of the decision to award the West Coast Main Line franchise to FirstGroup.
06 December 2005
Anti-terror police arrest three suspects
Police are questioning three men arrested yesterday on suspicion of involvement in international terrorism. Officers from Scotland Yard’s anti-terrorist branch arrested the three men in the Worcestershire area on Monday.
Anti-terror police arrest three suspects
Police are questioning three men arrested yesterday on suspicion of involvement in international terrorism. Officers from Scotland Yard’s anti-terrorist branch arrested the three men in the Worcestershire area on Monday.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
