T-43 - The calm before the storm

Things were going not too badly today..

No, not another one...

News on the BBC news site, as well as local sources, suggest that another National Express coach has been involved in an accident.


Coach overturns in motorway crash

A coach has overturned on the M1 in Buckinghamshire leaving at least five people seriously injured.

The National Express coach crashed close to the Newport Pagnell service area just after 1600 BST, on the southbound carriageway.

At least 40 people have suffered less serious injuries, a spokeswoman for the South Central Ambulance service said.

The driver of the coach was being cut free by fire crews. Road and air ambulances are at the scene.

A spokesman for Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, who have been working to release the driver, said the coach appeared to have been the only vehicle involved in the crash, between junctions 14 and 15.

Casualties are being taken to two hospitals, Milton Keynes and John Radcliffe in Oxford.


Up to 45 people injured in coach crash

Up to 45 people were injured in this afternoon's coach crash at the M1 service area, say the ambulance services.
The National Express coach - the 777 Birmingham to Stansted service - overturned in the car park of the south bound service area at 4pm today.

Five of the casualties are described as 'seriously injured' and two were taken to hospital by air ambulance.

The driver, who was physically trapped inside, was released by firefighters within an hour of the crash. It is understood that he was conscious.

Eyewitness Raj Bagna said: "I just pulled up for a cup of coffee and I saw this coach on its side.

"People were smashing all the windows to get people out. There was blood everywhere.

"Passengers had injuries to their heads, arms and legs.

"The driver was still stuck in his seat by the steering wheel. I was trying to cut the steering wheel off.

"His feet were crumpled up and the fire brigade came over to take over. He was not as bady as some of the other passengers."

Milton Keynes General Hospital was prepared for the 'major incident' as a steady stream of ambulances were seen bringing in casualties.

Police had sealed off the approach road to the Accident and Emergency Department.

The bus had been seen heading towards the car park for a scheduled stop before striking a high kerb,
flipping over and landing on the driver's side of the vehicle.

The coach then struck a tree and a lamp post.

Builders Dean Dallison and James Brady were having a coffee in their van when they heard a screech of tyres and then a very loud bang.

The pair then ran forward and used a fire extinguisher and a nearby litter bin to smash through the side window to rescue a crying girl and a woman.

Welcome Break staff were among the first to help the casualties, providing them with first aid and refreshments.

The number of injured people has not yet been confirmed. There are four ambulances, two fire engines and six police cars at the scene...

NX Statement On Coach Crash

Major Incident Notification 3 September 2007
Issued at 17.15pm

We can confirm that a National Express vehicle was involved in an incident on the southbound M1 at the Newport Pagnell services on 3 September 2007. The vehicle was a single decker travelling on the 777 service from Birmingham to Stansted. 33 passengers were on board.

National Express is working closely with the emergency services in order to provide as much information to friends and relatives of passengers on board.

National Express customers can contact a dedicated emergency enquiry line on 0800 731 2734.

This evening

Caroline has popped out to the first evening of her new diet plan group. She starts on the plan tomorrow. To coincide with this (I haven't joined as I'm on ineligible meds i.e. the antidepressants, as well as my past history), I am starting an in-house style diet at the same time. This is to ensure that I am not stuffing my face while she is struggling, as well as trying to make me lose the last few kilos, and get down to double figures in time for my own operation.

Speaking of which, I have to come off the hormones tomorrow. So, tonight, I will take my last estradiol valarate for now, plus my last half of a dydrogesterone. Tomorrow is just six weeks till surgery. I have to have blood screens done four weeks before, and I've booked my spot at the doctors in two weeks time to do this (might send them a copy of the letters etc. so they are prewarned what to expect).

Tomorrow, I'm at the dentist, to find out what the x-rays showed, and what she wants to do with my mouth over the coming weeks. I probably will not get it all finished before surgery, but I will get at least some work done.

Lots to keep us both busy!

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72-hour tube strike - except for viewers in Camden, Stanmore & Oakwood

It's been a while since I mentioned our friends at Transport for London. Needless to say, Ken refused to give Metronet money (quite rightly so), and both it's track infraco's have gone t**s up - sorry, into administration.

Now, quite rightly, staff are concerned if they've only been promised their jobs (definatly) for a few days, which does sort of go back on an earlier promise that was made back when PPP started.

As a result, there is a 72 hour tube strike - but, not for the Jubilee, Northern & Piccadlly lines, where there is another infraco (still solvent AFAIK) in place. The Picc is not currently running Uxbridge/Rayners Lane - Acton Town, as that uses Met line tracks most of the way. It is worth noting that the TSSA union is also considering strike action in this case - which must be one of the first times for a while (this union is a little bit lighter in terms of strike action and complaining).


Tube network crippled by strike

A "massive" strike by maintenance workers on London Underground (LU) has stopped all services on nine lines.

The RMT union started a 72-hour walkout at 1800 BST in a row over pensions and jobs after the collapse of Metronet.

LU said trains were being kept in depots during the industrial action and services might not return to normal until Friday morning.

Only the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines are operating, because they are maintained by another firm.

Picket lines were mounted outside LU depots and large queues have started to build up at bus stops as workers tried to get home.

LU's managing director Tim O'Toole told BBC News 24: "The strike is quite significant.

"It's massive because we're talking about the withdrawal of service on two-thirds of the network."

Another 72-hour stoppage is planned for next Monday.

On Monday, Unite and the TSSA said they would not go on strike after being given assurances.

But the TSSA said its 360 members would take part in the second planned 72-hour strike, if a matter concerning pensions was not resolved.

The unions have been seeking guarantees there will be no job losses, forced transfers or cuts in pensions as a result of Metronet's collapse in July, when it went into administration.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: "The efforts the mayor and Transport for London have put in to try to broker a deal have been welcome.

"But the problem for all of us remains that Metronet and its administrator are the employer and the qualified assurances they have given cover only the period of administration."

Transport for London (TfL) said all three Tube unions had received all the assurances they were seeking and has released a letter it sent to Mr Crow which outlines those promises...

Cat pics...

... found via cat_macros