Train firms create disaster team

The two companies say the unit will improve safety

Two train companies have formed an expert team to deal with rail tragedies across the North of England, such as the Selby disaster.

GNER and Arriva Trains Northern's say the move will offer passengers safer and more reliable services.

The two firms have created a dedicated Critical Incident Response Team, which will help ensure people who are involved in a serious incident - and their families - receive the support they need.

The team, made up of 30 people from each operator, has been through what the companies call a "detailed and realistic training course", designed to help them help people through the trauma of a rail crash.

Ray Price, managing director of Arriva Trains Northern, said: "Our main focus is always prevention but we also take the responsibility of being prepared very seriously.

"Our hope is that neither company will ever need to use the team.

"But knowing that Arriva and GNER have a partnership that allows them to call upon each other and have the people with the necessary support skills in place is reassuring for our both our customers and employees."

The Selby train crash happened in February 2001

Jonathan Metcalfe, GNER's chief operating officer, added: "Being prepared is the key to being able to cope with the aftermath of a major incident and it is important that we have people properly equipped to respond in such circumstances.

"We are pleased to be able to work jointly with colleagues in Arriva to increase the number of trained staff that can be called upon at short notice."

Train driver John Weddle, 47, of Throckley, Newcastle; chef Paul Taylor, 42, of Longbenton; and conductor Raymond Robson, 43, of Whitley Bay, were among those who died in the Selby crash in February 2001, caused by Land Rover driver Gary Hart.

Training for the new unit was delivered by Aviem International, who have carried out similar training for airline.

The people who volunteered for the team hold a variety of roles within the businesses and will be available 24-hours a day.