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25/04/2005
Dozens killed as Japanese train derailed
At least 50 people have been reported killed and over 300 more injured when a commuter train derailed and crashed into an apartment block in Japan.
The accident, the worst train disaster to occur in Japan in over 40 years, happened around 09:20am local time in Amagasaki, near the city of Osaka.
The commuter train was carrying around 580 passengers when it left the rails.
Some reports indicate that the train may have struck a car before smashing into an apartment building.
While the cause of the crash is not yet known, some reports indicate that the train may have been travelling too fast around a bend, though some other reports suggest that the accident may have been caused by the inexperience of the driver. The 23-year-old driver, who reportedly had eleven month's experience, survived the crash. The train company, West Japan Railway, confirmed that an investigation into the crash was being conducted.
The accident is one of the worst to occur on Japan's rail system in over 40 years. Prior to today’s crash, the worst train accident to occur in Japan happened in 1963, when a collision involving a freight train and two commuter trains left over 160 people dead. In the last major accident on a Japanese railway, two trains collided at Shigaraki in 1991, killing 42 people.
Japan's rail network is widely regarded as amongst the safest in the world.
(KMcA/SP)
The accident, the worst train disaster to occur in Japan in over 40 years, happened around 09:20am local time in Amagasaki, near the city of Osaka.
The commuter train was carrying around 580 passengers when it left the rails.
Some reports indicate that the train may have struck a car before smashing into an apartment building.
While the cause of the crash is not yet known, some reports indicate that the train may have been travelling too fast around a bend, though some other reports suggest that the accident may have been caused by the inexperience of the driver. The 23-year-old driver, who reportedly had eleven month's experience, survived the crash. The train company, West Japan Railway, confirmed that an investigation into the crash was being conducted.
The accident is one of the worst to occur on Japan's rail system in over 40 years. Prior to today’s crash, the worst train accident to occur in Japan happened in 1963, when a collision involving a freight train and two commuter trains left over 160 people dead. In the last major accident on a Japanese railway, two trains collided at Shigaraki in 1991, killing 42 people.
Japan's rail network is widely regarded as amongst the safest in the world.
(KMcA/SP)
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28 April 2005
Japan train crash – driver’s body recovered
The body of the driver of a train, which crashed in Japan earlier this week, has been recovered. It was confirmed that the body of 23-year-old Ryujiro Takami was found in the wreckage of the commuter train, which derailed and smashed into an apartment building in Amagasaki on Monday.
Japan train crash – driver’s body recovered
The body of the driver of a train, which crashed in Japan earlier this week, has been recovered. It was confirmed that the body of 23-year-old Ryujiro Takami was found in the wreckage of the commuter train, which derailed and smashed into an apartment building in Amagasaki on Monday.
18 July 2005
Engineering firm pleads guilty to Hatfield safety breach
Engineering firm Balfour Beattie has pleaded guilty to the charge that it breached safety standards before the Hatfield train disaster, in which four people died. The change of plea comes after the company, and five of its managers, were cleared of corporate manslaughter charges last week.
Engineering firm pleads guilty to Hatfield safety breach
Engineering firm Balfour Beattie has pleaded guilty to the charge that it breached safety standards before the Hatfield train disaster, in which four people died. The change of plea comes after the company, and five of its managers, were cleared of corporate manslaughter charges last week.
07 August 2009
Great Train Robber Released
Ronnie Biggs has been formally released from prison today on compassionate grounds. Justice Secretary Jack Straw yesterday approved the Great Train Robber's release. Biggs - who turns 80 tomorrow - is severely ill with pneumonia was told he is unlikely to recover.
Great Train Robber Released
Ronnie Biggs has been formally released from prison today on compassionate grounds. Justice Secretary Jack Straw yesterday approved the Great Train Robber's release. Biggs - who turns 80 tomorrow - is severely ill with pneumonia was told he is unlikely to recover.
26 June 2008
Great Escape On The Cards For Infamous Train Robber
Infamous train robber, Ronnie Biggs, could be freed from jail in a year, his lawyer has said. Biggs, 78, was sentenced to 30 years for the 1963 robbery, but escaped Wandsworth prison by scaling a rope ladder, after 15 months.
Great Escape On The Cards For Infamous Train Robber
Infamous train robber, Ronnie Biggs, could be freed from jail in a year, his lawyer has said. Biggs, 78, was sentenced to 30 years for the 1963 robbery, but escaped Wandsworth prison by scaling a rope ladder, after 15 months.
07 April 2005
London commuters set to get free paper
The way has been cleared for a new afternoon or evening newspaper to be distributed to London commuters, following the completion of an OFT investigation.
London commuters set to get free paper
The way has been cleared for a new afternoon or evening newspaper to be distributed to London commuters, following the completion of an OFT investigation.
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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.
