An investigation into one of the UK's worst
rail disasters has been launched after an eight-year delay.
The inquest into the Potters Bar derailment,
which killed seven people in May 2002, was opened by Judge Michael
Findlay Baker QC on Tuesday. It is expected to last three
months.
Prior to starting the case, the judge hit out
at the "extreme" wait families of the victims had had to endure,
saying: "In their interest, and in the more general public
interest, there must be no more delay."
His comments were echoed by Conservative MP
James Clappison (Hertsmere), who called the delay "scandalous".
"I think the Department of Transport have used
every excuse to delay an inquiry," he said.
"It is not satisfactory that relatives have
had to wait eight years to hear the facts aired in public.
"I hope lessons are learned and there is never such a long wait
again."