Taunton train fire

Title

Taunton train fire

Genre

News report; Speech; Parliamentary debate

TX Date

Jul 1978

Year of production

1978

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Duration

00:03:57

Description

Report on the fatal Taunton sleeping car fire of 06/07/78, in which 11 rail passengers (at this point) died. We hear from the House of Commons, where Bill Rodgers offers condolences to the families of the deceased; Edward du Cann praises the work of the emergency services; Eric Heffer voices concerns over suggestions that the style of window prevented escape; David Penhaligon, several of whose constituents died, assures the House that doors on the train are locked and the windows unsafe; Peter Mills calls attention to the general state of the western region’s elderly trains. A public inquiry will take place. Female reporter not identified.

Contributors

William Rodgers; Eric Heffer; David Penhaligon; Edward du Cann; Peter Mills

Keywords

Parliament; Fires; British Rail; Somerset; House of Commons; Trains; Fire safety; Public inquiries; Railway accidents; Taunton

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