Bad day... NAC

[isham-research.freeserve.co.uk at pop.pol.net.uk]

> The driver has said nothing to the press - he has however, been
> 'helping the police with their enquiries' - on and off for the last
> couple of days.

And an appeal for witnesses to the vehicle leaving the road today.
Even at 06:00 am, there were probably quite a few about on the M62 -
especially because the Snake is _STILL_ closed!

> When I saw the first news footage of the Land Rover and trailer come
> in on Wednesday morning I thought 'No way'. Not only was the trailer
> still connected to the Land Rover, the Renault was still on the
> trailer.  The only comforting thought is that the field that the
> passenger train ended up in was several feet under water a few
> months ago.

Not so funny part 1 - the Landrover's insurance company is likely to
be liable for the lot.  They've confirmed the policy is "unlimited
third party liability". I bet their calculations allowed for a few
other cars and compensation to their passengers - not for an
InterCity HST set, a Type 56 locomotive, a dozen or so coal trucks
and compensation claims from a couple of hundred people, including
for thirteen (at least) fatalities plus the rescue and clearup
costs.

HST sets are like hen's teeth - Richard Branson was recently reported
as offering GBP20 million a pop.  No one was selling.

See http://www.drake.co.uk for what happens when a UK motor insurer
is forced out of business by claims.  The PPB only indemnifies
private individuals - the legal battles will last for years.  Unless
they can somehow wriggle out of liability, which I doubt.

Not so funny part 2 - Fortis is also my insurance company and I have
a claim in process.  Still, compared with being killed or maimed I
have to be one of the less affected of the victims.

--
 Phil