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23/07/2004
36 killed in Turkey train derailment
At least 36 people have been killed in a train crash in north west Turkey, it has been reported today.
The packed train was travelling from Istanbul to Ankara when it came off its rails close to the town of Pamukova yesterday evening. Up to 80 people were injured in the wreck.
There were around 230 people travelling on board the modernised express train when the incident occurred. At one point it was feared the death toll could be as high as 139.
Authorities have said that sabotage and excess were most likely not to blame for the derailment. However, the Turkish print media has rounded on the government, claiming the older, outdated track could not cope with strain of bearing modern express trains. One paper accused the government of 'serial murder' for ignoring safety warnings leading up to the introduction of the express train last month.
Investigations into the tragedy, and a clear up of the wrecked carriages, are ongoing today.
(gmcg)
The packed train was travelling from Istanbul to Ankara when it came off its rails close to the town of Pamukova yesterday evening. Up to 80 people were injured in the wreck.
There were around 230 people travelling on board the modernised express train when the incident occurred. At one point it was feared the death toll could be as high as 139.
Authorities have said that sabotage and excess were most likely not to blame for the derailment. However, the Turkish print media has rounded on the government, claiming the older, outdated track could not cope with strain of bearing modern express trains. One paper accused the government of 'serial murder' for ignoring safety warnings leading up to the introduction of the express train last month.
Investigations into the tragedy, and a clear up of the wrecked carriages, are ongoing today.
(gmcg)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Some low cloud lingering in the north and west through the day, although cloud should burn back to the coast as the day goes on. Elsewhere some good sunny spells with very little cloud. Warm with light winds. Maximum temperature 22 °C.Tonight:A sunny evening for most except where cloud lingers along the north coast. Cloud will increase for a lot of areas overnight with mist and fog patches developing. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
