Corby ‘toxic town’ solicitor invites EMR and Network Rail to admit joint liability for Bedford train crash

Des Collins of Collins Solicitors has written to EMR, the operating company whose trains fatefully collided outside Bedford on June 19, causing the death of one driver and injuries to 162 passengers, and Network Rail – inviting both to admit joint liability for the fatal incident.

The correspondence comes in light of recent reports within the rail industry of significant safety concerns within EMR, leading the RMT union to call for strike action.

Mr Collins said: “Inevitably, the conclusive causes of rail crashes take time to establish as investigations are necessarily detailed and meticulous.

“However, it is clear from all reports to date that the signal passed at danger was compounded by the lack of a Train Protection Warning System on that stretch of railway which, if triggered, is designed to automatically bring a train to a safe stop, preventing a collision.

“We are determined that our clients should be spared the trauma of unnecessarily prolonged litigation and so have invited both East Midlands Railway and Network Rail to accept liability in principle.

“The ultimate share of costs between them can be ironed out over time, but the immediate priority is to ensure swift passenger compensation for their injuries and losses. If liability is not accepted, we shall commence proceedings.

“An admission of liability in these circumstances, where all safety precautions available within the rail industry were not adopted, should allow for swift and seamless interim claims for financial relief, such as extended sick pay to allow victims to cover their household expenses while unable to work.

“However, the extent and scope of final compensation claims would be calculated individually thereafter, as the severity of injury and other losses are taken into account.”

Collins Solicitors, based in Watford, has experience of previous incidents, having advised victims and survivors of several past rail crashes including Paddington/Ladbroke Grove, Southall, Watford, and Hatfield.

For more information, the firm recommends victims and their families visit their website or ring 0800 731 5821 or 01923 223324 or email [email protected].

East Midlands Railway also has a dedicated help line for anyone who was directly involved in the Bedford incident staffed by the British Red Cross and the number is 0333 212 59 34.