Stonehaven crash: Widow of train driver says he 'did everything by the book' - Sky News

The wife of the driver killed in the Stonehaven train derailment has hit out at suggestions he was to blame for the incident and said he "did everything by the book".

Driver Brett McCullough, 45, died along with conductor Donald Dinnie, 58, and passenger Christopher Stuchbury, 62, in the 12 August crash in Aberdeenshire.

Six other passengers were taken to hospital.

Image: Emergency services on the scene in Stonehaven. Pic: Newsline Media

Mr McCullough's grieving wife, Stephanie, said she needed to clarify what had happened "because of the recent posts on various news channels implying my lovely husband was at fault".

She said it was "extremely hurtful" that people were judging her husband's actions "when they have absolutely no idea what they are talking about".

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An investigation by the RAIB found the train struck a landslip before coming off the track and sliding along the ground for 90 metres.

Mrs McCullough said her husband's train had been held at Carmont for two hours before he was told it was safe to proceed north up the train line.

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"At this point in time the storm had past and the sun was shining, Brett did what he was told we know this because the 'black box' recorded Brett's speed that was under the speed limit and the communications between Scotrail and Brett record everything!! (sic)" she wrote in a Facebook post.

Mr McCullough had spotted the landslide and applied the emergency brakes, she added.

"Many people don't know that you can't just stop a train! When the brakes are applied it could take up to a mile to stop a train, it's not instant like a car."

Image: Brett McCullough leaves behind his wife and three children

The RAIB has said its investigation is still ongoing and it is collecting evidence to help it identify "factors relevant to the cause of the accident and its consequences".

It said factors likely to be taken into account include the actions of the people involved, recent inspections of drainage and earthworks in the area, management of the risks of extreme weather and actions taken in response to previous safety recommendations.

An annual health and safety report by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) last month warned Network Rail about not keeping up with extreme weather events.

It had noted a spike in landslips on Britain's railways, as well as a surge in flooding events.

Image: Brett McCullough was driving the train when it derailed, killing him

Mrs McCullough said: "I can't stand people implying that my beautiful kind husband was to blame. He did everything he was told to do.

"I can assure you Brett loved his job and did everything by the book.

"Unfortunately coming round that corner there was nothing he could have done."

She paid tribute to her "kind gentle husband" and said their three children were "heartbroken".

"His family was his world and he cared so much about people," she added.

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2020-08-22 17:47:14Z
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Girl, 15, dies after boat crashes into a buoy on a marina near Southampton - Daily Mail

Girl, 15, dies after boat crashes into a buoy on a marina near Southampton as 12 more people on board are taken to hospital

• Teenager, 15, died after a Rigid Inflatable Boat crashed at Marchwood Marina 
• The RIB hit into a buoy causing the 12 occupants to have to be rushed to hospital
• The girl's next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers 

By Emer Scully For Mailonline

Published: 17:55 BST, 22 August 2020 | Updated: 18:12 BST, 22 August 2020

A teenager has died and eleven others were taken to hospital after a Rigid Inflatable Boat crashed into a buoy this morning.

A 15-year-old girl was pronounced dead in hospital after the collision in Marchwood Marina, Netley, near Southampton at around 10.10am. 

The girl’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers from Hampshire Constabulary.

A 15-year-old girl was pronounced dead in hospital after the collision in Marchwood Marina, Netley (pictured), near Southampton at around 10.10am

Enquiries into the circumstances remain ongoing.

More to follow.  

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2020-08-22 16:55:31Z
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UK coronavirus death toll rises by 18 as another 1,288 test positive - The Sun

THE UK coronavirus death toll today rose by 18 - bringing the total number to 41,423.

In the last 24 hours, 1,288 people also tested positive for the disease with the total number of cases in the UK now at 324,601.

⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

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The UK coronavirus death toll has continued to growCredit: AFP or licensors

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This is the highest rise in cases on a Saturday since June 20 but this could be because the government is carrying out more testing.

The latest death figure for the UK is six times higher than last Saturday when three fatalities were recorded.

It comes after authorities recorded just two coronavirus deaths across the UK yesterday, making it the lowest 24-hour jump since lockdown.

On Thursday, just six fatalities across the UK were reported.

Scotland also its daily caseload top three figures for the first time in three months, with 123 new infections recorded in the past 24 hours.

The new cases have been linked to a cluster which emerged at the 2 Sisters food processing plant in Coupar Angus.

Of the new cases reported earlier today, 78 were in the NHS Tayside area where the factory is located.

First minister Nicola Sturgeon accepted that the rise in infections was a "concern" - but reminded the public that local health authorities were "dealing with" the outbreak at the plant which was the source of the daily rise in infections.

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But Professor Sir Mark Walport today warned coronavirus will be in Britain forever.

The former chief scientific adviser said people will need regular vaccinations to keep the bug under control.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme today, he said: "This is a virus that is going to be with us forever in some form or another and almost certainly will require repeated vaccinations."

His warning comes after the World Health Organisation chief said the deadly bug could last for another two years.

Director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus compared the virus to the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic which took “two years to stop”.

He said: "In our situation now with more technology, and of course with more connectiveness, the virus has a better chance of spreading, it can move fast because we are more connected now.

"But at the same time, we have also the technology to stop it and the knowledge to stop it."

Tedros urged countries to engage in “national unity” and “global solidarity”. 

Cases of the bug in the UK have continued to climb, however have slowed since the peak in April.

There are currently 841 patients in hospital with coronavirus, down from the high in early April that saw more than 3,500 patients receiving treatment for the bug.

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More than 22.81 million people have been reported to be infected by the coronavirus globally since it was first identified in China last year and 793,382 have died, according to a Reuters tally.

The United States leads the world with 5.6 million confirmed cases and more than 174,000 deaths.

The WHO said the Balkans region is a “hotspot” for Covid-19.

Coronavirus pandemic could last for another TWO YEARS, says World Health Organisation chief

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2020-08-22 15:24:00Z
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New wind warning follows Storm Ellen battering of Wales - BBC News

Travel around Wales could be disrupted next week with strong gales set to return, the Met Office has warned.

The yellow 'be aware' warning will come into force just days after Wales was battered by up to 95mph (153km/h) winds that left homes without power, roads closed and delayed trains and buses.

Five flood alerts across Wales remain in place ahead of the warning that will cover Wales from Tuesday at 09:00 BST until Wednesday at 15:00.

Winds could hit up to 60 mph (97km/h).

Bridges on Wales' major roads were affected as Storm Ellen hit Wales on Friday as the M48 Severn Bridge was shut and the A55 Britannia Bridge from the mainland to Anglesey had speed restrictions.

• Stormy sea swimmers labelled 'senseless'
• Storm Ellen washes away 'iconic' beach huts

The Met Office has warned that delays are again "likely" to road, rail, air and ferry transport.

Men were pictured swimming and jumping into the sea at Saundersfoot in Pembrokeshire during Storm Ellen on Friday and were labelled "stupid" and "senseless" by the local harbour master.

Forecasters have again reminded people living or staying on sea fronts and among coastal communities that they could be affected by spray and large waves.

Power cuts were reported across south Wales on Friday and the Met Office has warned "some short term loss of power is possible" next week.

"Gusts of wind are likely to exceed 50 mph for quite a few places, with exposed coasts and hills seeing gusts in excess of 60 mph," said the forecaster.

"Whilst not exceptional, winds this strong are unusual for August, with possible transport disruption and impacts on outdoor activities."

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2020-08-22 12:54:38Z
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UK weather forecast: Horror map shows barrelling eye of storm packing 75mph gusts - charts - Daily Express

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for rain from Tuesday into Wednesday as barrelling winds make a track towards the UK. The alert is in place for a swathe of the UK, covering all of Wales and parts of south England and the midlands under the warning. Winds of up to 60mph could hit isolated parts, with 50mph gusts elsewhere, but weather maps have pinpointed just how fast the maximum gusts are.

The Met Office forecast for today reads: “Most areas seeing some sunshine but also occasional showers, heavy for some.

“Showers in the south tending to ease this afternoon, leaving showers focused across parts of northern England, western Scotland and Northern Ireland. Still quite windy, temperatures near average.”

However, while it looks like we’ve had a reprieve from the recent windy weather, the gales will return imminently.

Weather maps from WXCharts show a swirling system brewing in the Atlantic and barreling towards Britain on Tuesday in the early hours.

READ MORE: Met Office weather warning: 'Unusual' 60mph winds to batter Britain

Peak wind gust maps from the forecaster, which gets its data from MetDesk, reveal that by 3am on Tuesday morning, the storm system will have winds reaching a staggering 75mph in some parts, as you can see in the map above.

On the whole, winds are expected to reach between 50mph and 60mph - with Ireland taking the brunt of the fierce gusts from the early hours.

By midday on Tuesday, the storm will have moved in a north-easterly direction to be hitting the entire east coast of Britain.

While at the same time, Ireland's entire southern portion will be seeing winds of about 55mph.

Wind gusts of 62mph were recorded in Fermanagh early on Thursday morning, with 79mph recorded at Capel Curig, north Wales.

The storm has passed over by Friday, a MEt Office spokesman told Express.co.uk, but he added there was more blustery systems on their way.

Deputy Meteorologist at the Met Office, Dave Oliver said: “Along with the sometimes heavy rain, strong winds have the potential to cause impacts that are not common in August.

"With this spell of unsettled weather coinciding with trees in full leaf and a peak in the camping season, wind-related impacts are more likely at lower wind speeds compared to other times of the year.”

The Met Office forecast from Wednesday to September 4 reads: “The outlook period begins generally unsettled with strengthening winds accompanied by showers or longer spells of rain across much of the UK.

“Towards the bank holiday weekend, these spells of rain and strong winds may perhaps become more confined towards northern and eastern areas, with the driest conditions mostly likely in the south.

“Although, the southwest may see some further spells of wind and rain at times. Temperatures should be near or slightly below the average for this time of year, with a potential for some frost overnight, but otherwise feeling warm in any sunnier spells.

“Although confidence is low into September, it is likely that the first part will see a transition into a more zonal pattern, with the north unsettled and the south generally drier and warmer.”

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2020-08-22 12:47:00Z
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'Cruel and heartless': Hunt for four men suspected of leaving cyclist to die in the road after hit-and-run - Sky News

Police are hunting four men suspected of being involved in a hit-and-run in which a cyclist was killed.

Charity worker Andell Goulbourne, 59, was hit by a grey BMW M135i as he was cycling along Washwood Heath Road in the Saltley area of Birmingham at 11.15pm on 30 July.

The father-of-three was left to die in the street by the four occupants of the car who fled the scene, police say.

Image: Do you recognise these men?

West Midlands Police have issued CCTV images of four men they want to speak to about the incident.

"We need to know who these men are," said Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes.

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"The victim, Mr Goulbourne, was callously left in the road fatally injured while four men ran from the vehicle.

"The offenders were more concerned about looking after themselves than calling for an ambulance or trying to help the man they'd hit.

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"It's now almost three weeks since the collision and I would urge the men caught on camera to do the right thing and come and talk to us."

The car has since been seized for forensic analysis, and a 32-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

He has been released pending further enquiries, the force said.

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Mr Goulbourne's family released a statement, describing him as a "kind and generous man" and "a mentor to many young people".

They said: "He always sought to serve those less fortunate, this was reflected in his role as a volunteer charity worker. He was a beacon of light.

"Our family and black community are desperately appealing to you to come forward, this was a cruel and heartless act."

Anyone with information can contact the serious collision unit by email at FL_COLLISION_INVEST@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk, or call 101, or Live Chat via WMP Online between 8am and midnight - quoting log 5069 of 30 July.

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2020-08-22 11:22:21Z
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Coronavirus: 'No socialising' rules in parts of North West - BBC News

Residents in Oldham and parts of Blackburn and Pendle can no longer socialise with other households under new measures introduced to stem the spread of coronavirus.

The new rules came into place at midnight after a rise in cases.

Workplaces, childcare facilities and businesses, including pubs and restaurants, will remain open.

Oldham Council said it had more enforcement capacity to take action against people breaking the rules.

Leader Sean Fielding said the council had closed at least one pub since Friday.

Since July, the government has been introducing extra restrictions in parts of northern England after a spike in coronavirus cases.

The extra measures announced on Friday for Oldham, and parts of Blackburn and Pendle will not prevent people from shopping, going to work or attending schools, which open from 1 September.

However, any social activities indoors and outdoors can only be done with people in their household.

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, public health director at Lancashire County Council, said: "The vast majority - more than 80% - of coronavirus transmission (in the affected parts of Pendle and Blackburn) is as a result of households mixing.

"That's why we are putting out a very clear message - do not socialise with people you don't live with."

'Protecting people'

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said: "We didn't want to see a lockdown in Oldham and we are pleased the government worked with us on that one."

Mr Burnham added he wanted to see "further relaxation" in Greater Manchester next week as "we are also seeing cases coming down in Trafford and Stockport".

"We are balancing protecting people against letting people live their lives - it is a really difficult question and I don't envy the government on this one," he said.

Councillor Fielding welcomed the announcement that Oldham would not face business closures.

But he warned the authority now had the power to take action when the rules are broken.

He said: "Part of our discussions with government to avert an Leicester-style economic lockdown was a pledge around increasing the capacity in our enforcement teams, so that we could take action where we had reports of businesses or premises or households not following the rules.

"So when we receive those reports we now have additional capacity around enforcement and compliance to take action, whether it's fines, whether it's closure orders or whatever."

Mr Fielding said the council has enlisted celebrities such as Pakistan cricket captain Azhar Ali, who is currently playing in a Test Match series against England, and The Inbetweeners actor James Buckley "to get the message out to communities that might listen to [them] rather than listen to me."

"We are also doing some really targeted intervention in our most affected communities, and that includes things like door-to-door testing, using community leaders to get messages over."

Earlier this week, the council shared a clip of Game Of Thrones actor James Cosmo warning residents that "lockdown is coming" unless they abide by guidelines.

Cosmo, who played Jeor Mormont, Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, told residents to "stay safe and follow the guidance".

Elsewhere, Birmingham has been added to the government's watch list, and Northampton named an "area of intervention".

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2020-08-22 09:09:52Z
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