04.04.16
UPDATE: BTP appeal to public after train crash at Plymouth station
5 April 10.15am UPDATE
British Transport Police (BTP) have appealed to witnesses and anyone with information on the Plymouth train crash to contact them as part of a joint investigation into the accident with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch and the Office of Rail and Road.
Anyone who was on board the train, who may have been injured, or believes they have any information which can help determine the cause of the accident is asked to contact BTP quoting reference 275 of 04/04/16 on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016.
BTP also gave the number of people taken to hospital for treatment following the accident as 15.
ORIGINAL STORY
Two trains collided at Plymouth station yesterday afternoon, leading to a reported 18 people, including the driver, being injured.
British Transport Police said they believed the crash, which occurred at around 15.35pm, was caused by a moving train colliding into the back of a stationary train at platform 6, and that they are investigating the circumstances of the accident.
All those injured are reported to be in a stable condition, and there were no fatalities and only minor delays.
David Crome, general manager in the west for Great Western Rail, told the Plymouth Herald: “It’s extremely unusual – I've been in railway for 27 years so I have deal with some serious incidents, but I must say this is extremely unusual.”
“There will be an intensive investigation by relevant authorities – we will investigate. We expect the RAIB (Railway Accident Investigation Branch) to undertake and lead the investigation.
“Our main concern is with the people that are on that train and the rest of the customers and staff, just to make sure everybody is okay and to get everybody home and safe, but of course as you can see the investigation is under way.”
The trains involved were the 15:42 Plymouth to Paddington high-speed train and the 13:39 Penzance to Exeter train.
Last month the Rail Safety and Standards Board said that the UK has “one of the safest rail networks in Europe”.
(Image c. Dominic Parnell from PA Wire)