OMAGH EXTENDS HELPING HAND TO TRAIN TRAGEDY TOWN
Omagh extends helping hand to train tragedy town
OMAGH has extended a helping hand to the people of Reading, who are still trying to come to terms with the horrific Paddington rail disaster, which claimed the lives of up to 40 people.
It was revealed this week that the Sperrin Lakeland Trust has provided advice to the director of social services in Reading, where many of the victims were from, on how to cope following a tragedy.
A book of condolence in memory of the victims of the Paddington rail disaster has also been opened Omagh this week, to give local people the opportunity to register their sympathy with the families of those who have died.
It is now believed that as many as 40 people were killed, and dozens injured, in the early morning rush-hour crash on Tuesday of last week.
An inquiry is currently underway after a London bound Great Western train and a three carriage Thames Turbo, which had just left
Paddington, collided.
Controversy is surrounding one of the red light signals, which rail unions claim drivers have found great difficulty in seeing. And here have been claims that rail companies are putting public safety secondary to profit.
At the opening of the book of condolence on Tuesday, Mr. David Bolton, the Sperrin Lakeland Trust's director of community care, said the Trust had prepared a briefing paper outlining the key things that needed to be done in the aftermath of a major incident.
That was sent to the director of social services in Reading the day after the crash, he said.
"We have also offered them whatever support they fee we can give them, drawing directly from our experiences in dealing with the tragedy here in Omagh, and in recognition of the support we received," he said.
The book of condolence was officially opened at Omagh District Council offices by the council chairman, Mr. Allan Rajney, and chief executive, Mr. John McKinney.
They were joined by Mr. Michael Gallagher and Mr. Stanley McCombe, chairman and vice-chairman of the Omagh Support and Self Help Group.
'Heartfelt sorrow'
Mr. Rainey, speaking on behalf of the people of Omagh, relayed to the people of Reading the "heartfelt sorrow being experienced by all in Omagh as a result of the tragic accident."
He added that the opening of a book of condolence was an indication of that sorrow, and would allow local people the opportunity to extend their sympathies to the bereaved.
Mr. Gallagher said he could understand what the people of Reading and surrounding area had suffered and were suffering.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with them," he said.
Mr. McCombe said the opening of the book of condolence was in return for all the support Omagh had received from England and farther afield, following last year's bomb.
"We felt that when the train crash happened it was like Omagh all over again. Despite the different circumstances, disasters are all the same and people still suffer," he said.
"We do know what the relatives of those who were in the train crash are going through, with families waiting for news of their loved ones. The hearts of all the bereaved families in Omagh go out to them, and we send our condolences."
The book of condolence will be left in the town's Tourist Information Centre for two weeks, to allow members of the public to add their own messages of condolence and support for the victims and their families.
The centre is open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, for anyone who wishes to sign the book.
OMAGH has extended a helping hand to the people of Reading, who are still trying to come to terms with the horrific Paddington rail disaster, which claimed the lives of up to 40 people.
It was revealed this week that the Sperrin Lakeland Trust has provided advice to the director of social services in Reading, where many of the victims were from, on how to cope following a tragedy.
A book of condolence in memory of the victims of the Paddington rail disaster has also been opened Omagh this week, to give local people the opportunity to register their sympathy with the families of those who have died.
It is now believed that as many as 40 people were killed, and dozens injured, in the early morning rush-hour crash on Tuesday of last week.
An inquiry is currently underway after a London bound Great Western train and a three carriage Thames Turbo, which had just left
Paddington, collided.
Controversy is surrounding one of the red light signals, which rail unions claim drivers have found great difficulty in seeing. And here have been claims that rail companies are putting public safety secondary to profit.
At the opening of the book of condolence on Tuesday, Mr. David Bolton, the Sperrin Lakeland Trust's director of community care, said the Trust had prepared a briefing paper outlining the key things that needed to be done in the aftermath of a major incident.
That was sent to the director of social services in Reading the day after the crash, he said.
"We have also offered them whatever support they fee we can give them, drawing directly from our experiences in dealing with the tragedy here in Omagh, and in recognition of the support we received," he said.
The book of condolence was officially opened at Omagh District Council offices by the council chairman, Mr. Allan Rajney, and chief executive, Mr. John McKinney.
They were joined by Mr. Michael Gallagher and Mr. Stanley McCombe, chairman and vice-chairman of the Omagh Support and Self Help Group.
'Heartfelt sorrow'
Mr. Rainey, speaking on behalf of the people of Omagh, relayed to the people of Reading the "heartfelt sorrow being experienced by all in Omagh as a result of the tragic accident."
He added that the opening of a book of condolence was an indication of that sorrow, and would allow local people the opportunity to extend their sympathies to the bereaved.
Mr. Gallagher said he could understand what the people of Reading and surrounding area had suffered and were suffering.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with them," he said.
Mr. McCombe said the opening of the book of condolence was in return for all the support Omagh had received from England and farther afield, following last year's bomb.
"We felt that when the train crash happened it was like Omagh all over again. Despite the different circumstances, disasters are all the same and people still suffer," he said.
"We do know what the relatives of those who were in the train crash are going through, with families waiting for news of their loved ones. The hearts of all the bereaved families in Omagh go out to them, and we send our condolences."
The book of condolence will be left in the town's Tourist Information Centre for two weeks, to allow members of the public to add their own messages of condolence and support for the victims and their families.
The centre is open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, for anyone who wishes to sign the book.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1405
Published Date: 14-Oct-99
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