Sir Richard Branson has praised the safety of the Virgin Pendolino train following a train crash in Cumbria on Saturday.
An 84-year-old woman was killed and several other passengers were seriously injured when a Virgin Pendolino from London Euston to Glasgow Central derailed near Kendal.
“The Pendolino performed brilliantly. We transport many millions of passengers and have spent a lot of money on Pendolinos. If you are going to have a massive accident, a Pendolino is the safest train to be in,” said Branson.
“The train itself stood up remarkably well, it’s built like a tank. If this had been an old train the injuries would have been horrendous. Pendolinos have solid crumple zones and most managed to walk away.”
He said he was on holiday with his family in Switzerland when the crash happened.
“I noticed 10 messages on my phone and thought that there was something wrong.
“The first thoughts of everyone at Virgin Trains are with the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives or been injured in this terrible accident. We will do whatever we can to offer assistance in the days ahead.”
An inquiry into the incident is focusing on a set of points to the south of the crash site.
Disruption to the line is expected to last for between 10 days and two weeks while the investigation is carried out.
By Bev Fearis
