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Author Topic: M5 Crash 04/11/2011  (Read 12398 times)
ollie b
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« on: November 05, 2011, 10:59:07 »

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-15603124

My thoughts are with all the people involved and their families.

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Super Guard
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« Reply #1 on: November 05, 2011, 12:54:49 »

Terrible accident and wouldn't have helped with people travelling home from Bridgwater Carnival  Sad
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anthony215
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« Reply #2 on: November 05, 2011, 13:00:31 »

Very shocking just been watching this on the BBC» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page) news channel.

My thoughts are with everyone involved.


I wouldnt want to be driving through Taunton for the next day or 2 with all the traffic.
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Timmer
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« Reply #3 on: November 05, 2011, 13:38:03 »

Thoughts go out to everyone involved in this tragic accident. From the latest reports and pictures it looks like the emergency services have had to deal with a very difficult scene of devastation. Huge respect to all they do and have to face at times like this.
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IndustryInsider
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« Reply #4 on: November 05, 2011, 13:48:04 »

A horrendous crash, and it will no doubt be a harsh reminder about the potential problems with increasing the speed limit to 80mph.
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anthony215
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« Reply #5 on: November 05, 2011, 14:30:58 »

Slightly going off topic:

I personally see no reason to increase the speed limit.

I think the excuse that drivers drive over 70 mph already is not a very good 1, perhaps more speed camera's on motorways although it could be argued that it would be bad a drivers could slam on the brakes increasing chances of a crash or causing tailbacks

Anyway back on topic, I do agree that the scene as I have seen it on the TV looks nasty I hate to think what it was like shortly after the accident last night. Praise has to be given to the emergency services and staff in the hospitals, even heared they flew 1 doctor in from Exeter/


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broadgage
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« Reply #6 on: November 05, 2011, 14:50:40 »

This tragic accident does however demonstrate the differing standards accepted on roads versus railways.

Do we hear calls for a public inquiry ?
For the temporary closure of motorways, pending a review to "ensure that it never happens again"
Calls to find out who caused it, and jail them ?
For the speed limit to be reduced ?
For strict action to ensure that those who drive dangerously are banned for life.

Most unlikely.

A train driver who deliberatly and substantialy exceeded the correct speed would almost certainly be dismissed and probably not be allowed to drive a train again.
A road vehicle driver would receive a small fine.

A TOC (Train Operating Company) whose trains had dangerous faults would face severe penalties, as would the persons or firms who serviced them. The operators of unroadworthy vehicles usually get away with a small fine.

By next week this accident will be forgotten except by those injured or bereaved.
A train crash with a similar death toll would be called a "disaster" and not an "accident", and would be disscussed and inquired into for years.



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It has space for cycles, surfboards,luggage etc.
A 5 car DMU (Diesel Multiple Unit) is not a proper inter-city train. The 5+5 and 9 car DMUs are almost as bad.
IndustryInsider
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« Reply #7 on: November 05, 2011, 15:13:07 »

A train crash with a similar death toll would be called a "disaster" and not an "accident", and would be disscussed and inquired into for years.

Very true.  And there would be wall-to-wall news coverage on Sky for days.
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JayMac
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« Reply #8 on: November 05, 2011, 16:12:55 »

I echo the thoughts of others in expressing my sympathy to the bereaved and injured. Also, nothing but praise for the emergency services who had to deal with a truly shocking incident.

There's also the health care professionals in Somerset, who responded to the 'major incident' call. Praise for them as well.

It has been reported on the BBC» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page) News website that North Petherton Carnival has been cancelled as a mark of respect. A sensible decision, not just out of respect but also because the Carnival route is on the A38 through North Petherton, a road being used as a diversionary route whilst the M5 remains closed.

A relative tells me that traffic today in Taunton is quite bad, particularly around Creech Castle/Bathpool and Priory Fields/Toneway. Although it does appear that many have heeded warnings to avoid the area if possible.



Finally, with my Moderator hat on and out of respect for all those involved, can I ask that forum members avoid speculation here as to the causes of this incident. Thank you.
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LiskeardRich
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« Reply #9 on: November 05, 2011, 16:39:11 »

Thoughts are with all those affected,

My brother drove where the accident was less than 30 mins before the accident returning back to Cornwall. He commented how the fog was so thick he couldnt see the front of his car, and people were still driving at ridiculous speed.

regarding above commenter whether the speed limit is 70 or 80 i believe is irrelevant here, as in such weather conditions common sense is required that it is unsafe to do even 70!
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old original
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« Reply #10 on: November 05, 2011, 16:50:58 »

It's being reported that there are 7 confirmed dead as a result of this tragic accident, which I believe, happens to be about the average death toll for each and every day on the roads.
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8 Billion people on a wet rock - of course we're not happy
JayMac
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« Reply #11 on: November 05, 2011, 17:42:51 »

From the Avon and Somerset Constabulary website:

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North Petherton Carnival Cancelled

Unfortunately the North Petherton Carnival has been cancelled.

The decision was made by organisers following advice from a multi-agency contingency meeting including Police, Fire and Rescue, Highways Agency, Ambulance Service and local authorities who have been dealing with the overnight incidents on both the M5 and the environmental issues in Bridgwater.

It was felt that the road network would be placed under further pressure with high volumes of traffic already diverted from the M5 following the multiple RTC.

In addition, it was felt that the logistics of ensuring emergency routes and moving the carts from Bridgwater to North Petherton would create further delays and strain on already congested roads.

The carts will now be moved from Bridgwater to Burnham-on-Sea via the A38/Taunton Road, via Highbridge to The Queensway in Burnham. This will take place from 2pm today and congestion and delays are expected on this route until approximately 5pm.

The Queensway in Burnham-on-Sea will be shut from 4pm today until approximately 11.30pm after the carnival on Monday.

Police are requesting that the public avoid these sections of the A38 between these times wherever possible.

All the emergency services and partner agencies are thanking the public for their patience and understanding regarding the road closures and delays surrounding the M5 and Bridgwater incidents.

Also from Avon and Somerset Constabulary, a video message from Assistant Chief Constable Anthony Bangham:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=KoPEvNbaXc4
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"Build a man a fire and he'll be warm for the rest of the day. Set a man on fire and he'll be warm for the rest of his life."

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ChrisB
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« Reply #12 on: November 05, 2011, 18:14:26 »

Cause: driving faster than the drivers ability to stop in an Emergency. Obvious. Oh, an TIRs (Travel Irregularity Report) dont just jacknife on their own
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JayMac
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« Reply #13 on: November 05, 2011, 18:19:17 »

Cause: driving faster than the drivers ability to stop in an Emergency. Obvious. Oh, an TIRs (Travel Irregularity Report) dont just jacknife on their own

Thank you for conclusions. You've been to the site and conducted a thorough investigation have you? Did you not read what I posted in bold earlier in the thread. Please reconsider your post.
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"Build a man a fire and he'll be warm for the rest of the day. Set a man on fire and he'll be warm for the rest of his life."

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ChrisB
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« Reply #14 on: November 05, 2011, 18:42:53 »

What else caused it then? A meteorite?!!
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