Speed claims probed after deaths in tourist train crash
The cause of the rail crash in which two British tourists were killed and others injured is being investigated with suggestions that the train could have been going too fast.
York-based rail specialist Great Rail Journeys, who chartered the train in India carrying 37 Britons, said Indian media was full of speculation but that it believed a hearing into the cause would start tomorrow.
While the BBC said some initial reports suggested the train was going too fast.
The rail operator has sent its emergency response team, led by director Julian Appleyard, to the scene of the incident to help clients, along with two qualified counsellors.
The two victims are believed to be Joan Nichols, 71, and Loraine Tonner, 56, from South Shields, reports the Guardian. Joan’s husband John, 71, has been released from hospital.
Other clients on the train were injured when the train came off the track while travelling on the Kalka to Shimla mountain railway line.
Two passengers, one of which is tour manager Andrew Summerhayes, are still in hospital but their condition is described as stable.
The latest statement from Great Rail Journeys said that a small number of its customers have decided to return home while the majority have continued with the tour accompanied by a senior manager from its head office and the most senior tour manager for India who is travelling to meet the group.
CEO Peter Liney, said: "The relatives of the deceased have arrived or are en route. We continue to be grateful for FCO assistance on the ground with myriad complex issues and with their kindness to all concerned.
"Our counsellor remains present in Chandigarh and a further counsellor will arrive in Delhi tomorrow morning. Our offer of counselling will remain open for as long as it proves necessary."
The passengers began the 12-night India’s Golden Triangle tour on Thursday.
Foreign Office minister for Asia Hugo Swire said: "I am deeply saddened that two British nationals have been killed and many others injured in a train accident in Northern India. My thoughts are with their family and friends at this difficult time."
Great Rail Journeys takes around 2,500 people to India each year and has been operating for 30 years.
In a statement it said this is the first serious train accident in which it has been involved.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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