Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Paddington Inquiry begins

Maurice McLeod
Tuesday 21 December 1999 00:00 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The preliminary hearing into the Paddington Rail disaster will be held today with victims families and rail safety campaigners desperate for answers.

The preliminary hearing into the Paddington Rail disaster will be held today with victims families and rail safety campaigners desperate for answers.

Lord Cullen will open the proceedings into the two-train crash which killed 31 people during rush hour on October 5.

Early evidence seems to show that a Thames train passed a red stop light and travelled on for 700 meters before colliding with a Great Western express train.

Today's hearing will decide who is to be present at the hearing in Spring and exactly how best to conduct the inquiry.

Both drivers were among the 31 killed in the crash and 400 people were injured.

No evidence will be heard today and the inquiry proper begins in Spring 2000.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in