28/04/2005
Japan train crash – driver’s body recovered
The body of the driver of a train, which crashed in Japan earlier this week, has been recovered.
It was confirmed that the body of 23-year-old Ryujiro Takami was found in the wreckage of the commuter train, which derailed and smashed into an apartment building in Amagasaki on Monday.
It has also been confirmed that the death toll in the crash has now reached 106. More than 450 people have been injured.
Reports have indicated that the train was travelling faster that it should have been when the crash occurred. The train is also believed to have been running late.
Mr Takami was also a relatively inexperienced driver, who had only 11 months experience. It has also been reported that he had already received one warning after he overran a station.
Investigators into the crash are believed to have searched the offices of railway operator West Japan Railway, looking for evidence of possible professional negligence.
Monday’s accident was the worst to occur in Japan for forty years. In 1963, over 160 people were killed following a collision between a freight train and two commuter trains. The last major accident to occur on a Japanese railway happened in 1991, when two trains collided at Shigaraki, killing 42 people.
Japanese railways are regarded as being among the safest in the world.
(KMcA/SP)
It was confirmed that the body of 23-year-old Ryujiro Takami was found in the wreckage of the commuter train, which derailed and smashed into an apartment building in Amagasaki on Monday.
It has also been confirmed that the death toll in the crash has now reached 106. More than 450 people have been injured.
Reports have indicated that the train was travelling faster that it should have been when the crash occurred. The train is also believed to have been running late.
Mr Takami was also a relatively inexperienced driver, who had only 11 months experience. It has also been reported that he had already received one warning after he overran a station.
Investigators into the crash are believed to have searched the offices of railway operator West Japan Railway, looking for evidence of possible professional negligence.
Monday’s accident was the worst to occur in Japan for forty years. In 1963, over 160 people were killed following a collision between a freight train and two commuter trains. The last major accident to occur on a Japanese railway happened in 1991, when two trains collided at Shigaraki, killing 42 people.
Japanese railways are regarded as being among the safest in the world.
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 April 2005
Dozens killed as Japanese train derailed
At least 50 people have been reported killed and over 300 more injured when a commuter train derailed and crashed into an apartment block in Japan. The accident, the worst train disaster to occur in Japan in over 40 years, happened around 09:20am local time in Amagasaki, near the city of Osaka.
Dozens killed as Japanese train derailed
At least 50 people have been reported killed and over 300 more injured when a commuter train derailed and crashed into an apartment block in Japan. The accident, the worst train disaster to occur in Japan in over 40 years, happened around 09:20am local time in Amagasaki, near the city of Osaka.
07 August 2009
Great Train Robber Released
Ronnie Biggs has been formally released from prison today on compassionate grounds. Justice Secretary Jack Straw yesterday approved the Great Train Robber's release. Biggs - who turns 80 tomorrow - is severely ill with pneumonia was told he is unlikely to recover.
Great Train Robber Released
Ronnie Biggs has been formally released from prison today on compassionate grounds. Justice Secretary Jack Straw yesterday approved the Great Train Robber's release. Biggs - who turns 80 tomorrow - is severely ill with pneumonia was told he is unlikely to recover.
26 June 2008
Great Escape On The Cards For Infamous Train Robber
Infamous train robber, Ronnie Biggs, could be freed from jail in a year, his lawyer has said. Biggs, 78, was sentenced to 30 years for the 1963 robbery, but escaped Wandsworth prison by scaling a rope ladder, after 15 months.
Great Escape On The Cards For Infamous Train Robber
Infamous train robber, Ronnie Biggs, could be freed from jail in a year, his lawyer has said. Biggs, 78, was sentenced to 30 years for the 1963 robbery, but escaped Wandsworth prison by scaling a rope ladder, after 15 months.
07 April 2005
London commuters set to get free paper
The way has been cleared for a new afternoon or evening newspaper to be distributed to London commuters, following the completion of an OFT investigation.
London commuters set to get free paper
The way has been cleared for a new afternoon or evening newspaper to be distributed to London commuters, following the completion of an OFT investigation.
18 July 2005
Engineering firm pleads guilty to Hatfield safety breach
Engineering firm Balfour Beattie has pleaded guilty to the charge that it breached safety standards before the Hatfield train disaster, in which four people died. The change of plea comes after the company, and five of its managers, were cleared of corporate manslaughter charges last week.
Engineering firm pleads guilty to Hatfield safety breach
Engineering firm Balfour Beattie has pleaded guilty to the charge that it breached safety standards before the Hatfield train disaster, in which four people died. The change of plea comes after the company, and five of its managers, were cleared of corporate manslaughter charges last week.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.