In The News: 14th August

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More details are being released as investigations continue into the tragic Stonehaven train derailment, which led to the deaths of a train driver, conductor and a passenger.

It is a story which continues to feature heavily in today’s newspapers.

The Daily Telegraph reports on a ‘determined and courageous’ off-duty conductor who climbed out of the train wreckage and walked to a signal box to raise the alarm.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps visited the site of the UK’s deadliest rail crash in 16 years and ordered an urgent review of high-risk trackside slopes across Britain.

The i paper reports on comments by Network Rail that it would be examining stretches of line around the country with ‘similar characteristics’.

An article in The Herald says Network Rail will also work with meteorologists to strengthen the information it receives about flash flooding while its engineers are reviewing the remote monitoring of high-risk sites with motion sensors and CCTV to test whether it can be improved.

The train’s driver, Brett McCullough, 45, conductor Donald Dinnie, 58, and Christopher Stuchbury, 62, sadly died after the train derailed, rolled down a steep embankment and caught fire.

Network Rail’s Chief Executive Andrew Haines visited the site of the derailment yesterday saying he was determined to understand the circumstances and investigate thoroughly to make sure this cannot happen again.

In other news, repeatedly refusing to wear a face mask could lead to a fine of up to £3,200 Boris Johnson announced last night.

At present those who do not cover their faces in shops or on public transport can be ordered to pay a penalty of £100 – or £50 if they pay within a fortnight.

But according to an article in the Daily Mail, the Prime Minister said those caught without a mask for a second time will now face a fine of £200, with the amount doubling on every repeat offence to a maximum of £3,200.

Photo credit: Network Rail

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