Death train driver charged

The aftermath of the Southall train crash

The driver of a commuter train which crashed killing seven people has been charged with manslaughter.

Larry Harrison, 51, was at the controls when the Swansea-London express collided with an empty goods train at Southall, west London, on September 19, 1997.

British Transport Police say he will appear before Ealing magistrates on May 27.

The 1032 train was minutes from Paddington, London, when it collided with the freight train. More than 150 people were injured.

Lew Adams, General Secretary of the train drivers' union Aslef, said he was "surprised and dismayed" at the charge.

He added that the union would support the driver throughout the legal action.

A public inquiry into the crash was adjourned in February because of the possibility of legal action.