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Date Posted: 13:25:17 05/12/02 Sun
Author: PCR
Author Host/IP: 213.122.31.234
Subject: Potters Bar Traincrash

Points problem a one-off, says Byers

Stephen Byers says initial investigations at the Potters Bar crash scene suggest the problem with the points was a "one-off".

He says there is nothing to indicate there were similar difficulties elsewhere on the rail network.

He added that mismanagement, individual error and vandalism are all possible causes and he is not ruling out the possibility of a public inquiry into the tragedy.

The Transport Secretary told BBC1: "The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Railways Inspectorate are saying that they think this is a unique, a one-off event ... they have tested something like 400 points up and down the country.

"So it does appear to be a one-off, isolated incident affecting this set of points 200 yards to the south of Potters Bar station."

He continued: "I think the first thing to do is to find out exactly how this happened, so that we know the circumstances in detail, and then we will be able to find out whether or not it was mismanagement, whether it was the fault of an individual worker not carrying out their job properly, whether it was a deliberate act of vandalism.

"We don't know answers to those questions yet but the HSE, the Inspectorate, were very clear that through detailed examination they would be able to find out exactly how this happened.

"I think when we get those results that will be the time to decide whether or not a public inquiry will be necessary," said Mr Byers.

Railtrack chief executive John Armitt was asked on the same programme whether there could be a case for corporate manslaughter, and whether Railtrack or the Government could face that accusation.

Mr Armitt said: "I don't think you can discount the possibility of that in any situation where there has been such a terrible accident and loss of life. But at the moment the focus has to be on identifying what has happened and doing that in full support and cooperation with the police."

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Replies:

[> Liars Liars Stephen Byers -- I dont care Tony Blair, 13:34:53 05/12/02 Sun (195.92.168.170)


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