High-Speed British Train Derails, Killing 7 People
A high-speed train derailed Friday on its way through a station north of London and one car crashed onto the platform, scattering waiting passengers. Seven people were killed in the accident and nine seriously injured, officials said.
At least 45 others suffered less severe injuries, British Transport Police said.
The northbound London-to-King’s Lynn train, carrying 151 people, went off the tracks in Potters Bar, a quiet suburban town 12 miles north of London.
Witnesses reported a deafening bang and passengers flung out of windows as part of the four-carriage train plowed over the platform at Potters Bar.
“I heard a bang and saw the train mount the platform. After that, there was screaming and chaos everywhere,” said Andy Perversi, on the platform when the crash happened at lunchtime.
The train car came to a halt, lodged under the station roof.
Inspector Philip Trendall of the British Transport Police said it was too early to speculate on the cause of the crash. It was one of six fatal accidents since 1997 that have raised concern about the safety of British rails.
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