'Some kind of closure'

Survivors of 2004 Ufton Nervet rail tragedy speak of relief after bridge plans approved

SURVIVORS of the 2004 Ufton Nervet rail tragedy have spoken of their relief after plans to build a bridge to replace the notorious level crossing were unanimously approved last week.

There have been calls to improve safety since a fatal crash at the site on November 6, 2004, in which seven people died and more than 120 were injured.

Since then, another four people have lost their lives at the half-barrier crossing.

On the eve of the 10-year anniversary of the 2004 crash, Network Rail announced it had found the £8m to £10m required to build a bridge.

Jane Hawker, from Newbury, was in coach D of the 17.35 high-speed First Great Western service from Paddington to Plymouth when it derailed after hitting a car which had been deliberately parked on the level crossing.

Following last Wednesday’s decision to allow the bridge to be built, Mrs Hawker said: “I am pleased and relieved that the planning application has been approved.

“Since 2004 it has been of utmost importance to me that further loss of life should be prevented, and the replacement of the crossing is a vital part of that.

“I would like to thank all the organisations involved for getting to this stage.”

Another survivor, Harriet Myles was on her way from London to Exeter to see her then boyfriend when tragedy struck.

She said: “I don’t think what happened that night will ever leave me but at least this provides some kind of closure to survivors and for the families of victims.”

Recalling the horror, Miss Myles, who was 19 at the time of the crash, added: “All I remember was one minute we were travelling and the next I was thrown into the middle of the countryside. It was dark and I had no idea where I was.

“Sadly what happened that night wasn’t just a one-off, there have been several suicides there since.

“Anything that prevents that has to be a good thing which is why I’m pleased about the bridge.”

Jenna Nicole, the daughter of former West Berkshire and Thatcham town councillor Keith Woodhams, also survived the crash.

Reliving the events of that night, Mr Woodhams said: “It was a major event in all our lives.

“The whole thing was just awful and I still get emotional talking about it and knowing that my daughter managed to survive such a dreadful crash.

“My wife (Vivienne) and I were waiting at Newbury railway station for her train to come in. We couldn’t understand why it had not arrived.

“Then we got a call from our daughter saying she was trapped.”

Ms Nicole was pulled from the wreckage to safety by a man who climbed onto the carriage and smashed a window.

Mr Woodhams added: “When we arrived at the Winning Hand pub there were police cars and ambulances everywhere.

“People were coming in covered in blood. I had blankets in the back of the car and was handing them out. It was like a scene from a horror movie and one I will never forget.

“The experience will never go away for her or for us so hearing the news that the bridge has been approved is so welcome. I cannot tell you how much it means.”