Coroner calls on Thomas Cook to lead drive for better gas safety
Thomas Cook is being urged to lead a drive for new gas safety laws by the coroner who investigated the deaths of two children from carbon monoxide poisoning while on holiday with the operator in Corfu.
David Hinchcliffe warned that unless radical steps were taken, more holidaymakers might die.
Mr Hinchcliffe ruled earlier this year that Bobby and Christi Shepherd, aged 6 and 7, had died from carbon monoxide poisoning at a holiday villa in Corfu in 2006.
In a letter to Prime Minister David Cameron, seen by the Daily Mail, he asked him to push for new EU controls on gas boilers in holiday accommodation, even though the Government rejected the idea of new Europe-wide safety rules 12 months ago.
Mr Hinchliffe called on ministers to draft, instigate and implement EU rules on gas installations and carbon monoxide safety.
He said there should be a new central register to force tour operators to keep up-to-date information on gas boilers and appliances at hotels and holiday accommodation.
Mr Hinchliff also called on Thomas Cook to be ‘at the forefront’ of an industry drive to improve standards.
He said this included checks being carried out by qualified health and safety officials, not ‘often inexperienced and overworked’ tour reps, as well as publicity campaigns to encourage tourists to take portable carbon monoxide alarms and for clear information in brochures about the dangers of CO2 poisoning.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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