TC vows to stand by staff charged over Corfu gas poisoning
Thomas Cook has pledged its full support to two staff charged in relation with the death of two children in Corfu.
The two, one of whom has since left the company, face charges of manslaughter and causing bodily harm following the death of two children from carbon monoxide poisoning in a holiday apartment on the Greek island.
The pair – one a resort representative and another who worked in health and safety – are charged along with the management of the property owners, Louis Coreyra Beach hotels, and maintenance contractors.
Speaking at a media briefing today, Ian Derbyshire, executive director of Thomas Cook’s Holiday Division, said the company was distressed and shocked by the charges, but was confident its staff will be fully vindicated.
He said the decision by the Greek court to press charges went against assurances by the district attorney last December that no charges would be brought against Thomas Cook staff.
Derbyshire also revealed details which, due to privacy laws, the operator has not been able to disclose until now.
He said an investigation by an independent gas expert had found a trip switch on the gas boiler had shortcircuited and that Thomas Cook had received a signed contract from the Louis Group stating that there was no gas within that particular property.
Furthermore, Thomas Cook and other UK tour operators undertook comprehensive audits of the property, compliant with the Federation of Tour Operators guidelines.
“This audit was based on the information that the Louis Group had provided and the licence issued by Greek government,” he said.
“The hotel was at the time, and still is, fully licenced by the Greek government.”
The trial is expected to take place later this year, although it is believed it will not take place until after the summer season to avoid negative publicity for Corfu.
By Bev Fearis
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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