Virgin Trains Press Statements

23/02/2007 A
Serious incident in Cumbria

Statement from Virgin Trains, 23 February 2007, 22:25

Virgin Trains can confirm that a serious incident took place earlier today near Lambrigg, north of Oxenholme in Cumbria.

The incident took place shortly after 20:00.

The train involved was the 17:15 from London Euston to Glasgow Central, operated by Virgin Trains.

Virgin Trains staff are currently working with the emergency services to ensure that those involved in this incident are given every assistance.

All Virgin Trains services between Preston and Carlisle have been suspended until further notice. Alternative arrangements for customers, using road vehicles, are being made. We advise passengers to ring National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 before commencing their journey.

An emergency services number for friends or relatives concerned about anybody travelling on the train will be issued as soon as possible.

Virgin Trains will keep you updated as we receive further information. Please see our website at www.virgintrains.com.



24/02/2007
Serious incident in Cumbria

24 February 2007, 02:00Statement Issue No: 2

Serious incident in CumbriaIt is with deep regret that Virgin Trains can confirm that there has been one fatality in an accident that took place shortly after 20:00 on Friday 23 February 2007 near Lambrigg, north of Oxenholme in Cumbria.The train involved was the 17:15 from London Euston to Glasgow Central, operated by Virgin Trains. The first thoughts of everyone at Virgin Trains are with the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives or been injured in this terrible accident. We will do whatever we can to offer assistance in the days ahead.Virgin Trains will do everything in its power to assist enquiries into finding the cause of this tragic accident and is already working closely with Network Rail and investigative authorities.The emergency services have issued the following number for friends or relatives concerned about anybody travelling on the train: 0800 056 0146 (00 44 20 7158 0198 from overseas).



24/02/2007 B
Serious incident in Cumbria - Statement No. 3 - 24 February 2007

24 February 2007, 04:35Statement Issue No: 3

Serious incident in CumbriaIt is with deep regret that Virgin Trains can confirm that there has been one fatality in an accident that took place shortly after 20:00 on Friday 23 February 2007 near Lambrigg, north of Oxenholme in Cumbria.The train involved was the 17:15 from London Euston to Glasgow Central, operated by Virgin Trains.

The first thoughts of everyone at Virgin Trains are with the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives or been injured in this terrible accident. We will do whatever we can to offer assistance in the days ahead.

The emergency services have issued the following number for friends or relatives concerned about anybody travelling on the train: 0800 056 0146 (00 44 20 7158 0198 from overseas).

Trains travelling towards Edinburgh and Glasgow will terminate at Lancaster while those travelling from Glasgow/Edinburgh will terminate at Lockerbie. Replacement coaches will link the two stations.


24/02/2007 C
Courageous train driver praised by Sir Richard Branson

The train driver in charge of Friday night's (23 February) 17:15 Virgin Trains' service from London Euston to Glasgow Central, which became derailed near Oxenholme, has been praised for his courage by Virgin founder, Sir Richard Branson.

"The driver did an amazing job," said Sir Richard at the site of the accident on Saturday 24 February. "He stayed in his seat for a quarter of a mile to control the train as it came off the rails, and didn't try to protect himself by running back into the coach behind. Regrettably he sustained quite serious injuries to his neck. I wish him well in making a full recovery.

"This is a very sad and horrible day, but last night the emergency services were brilliant. As a human being I'm here, and if my children had been on that train I would expect the company to come and learn from it and to show sympathy to the victims.

"The Pendolino performed brilliantly. We transport many millions of passengers and have spent a lot of money on Pendolinos. If you are going to have a massive accident, a Pendolino is the safest train to be in.

"The train itself stood up remarkably well, it's built like a tank. If this had been an old train the injuries would have been horrendous. Pendolinos have solid crumple zones and most managed to walk away.

"The train has proved itself, is formidable and strong, and the basic fabric of the train stayed intact. Damage to the carriages is negligible, the lights stayed on and the windows didn't break. As far as safety is concerned, rail is massively more safe than the car.

"I went to the hospitals this morning to talk to the doctors and I've seen some of the people who were on the train. We've been in the transportation business for 20 years and you always dread that you are going to get that kind of call.

"I was on holiday with my family in Switzerland, noticed ten messages on my phone and thought that there was something wrong. I'm always concerned for passengers and at that stage some were still trapped on the train and we didn't know how many were injured."