Bookies talk business
HIGH street bookmaker Ladbrokes Coral has reopened talks about a takeover by rival and Foxy Bingo owner GVC in a deal worth up to £3.9 billion.
Shares in Ladbrokes raced as much as 34% higher after the pair revealed “detailed” discussions over a tie-up that would see GVC pay £3.1 billion in cash and shares for Ladbrokes.
The final price could reach £3.9 billion, depending on the outcome of a government review into controversial fixed-odds betting terminals (FOTBs). THE driver involved in the Croydon tram crash possibly drifted into a “microsleep” before speeding round a sharp bend, an investigation has found.
Alfred Dorris, 43, from Beckenham, south-east London, was driving the tram when it came off the tracks at almost four times the speed limit in darkness and heavy rain on November 9 last year, killing seven people and injuring 51.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) believe it is “probable” he “temporarily lost awareness” on a straight section of track and may have fallen into a microsleep for up to 49 seconds.
Such sleeps can last “anywhere from a fraction of a second to a few minutes” and often involve closing of eyes or head nodding, investigators said.
When he roused from his disorientation, he initially believed the tram was travelling in the opposite direction, not realising the bend was approaching.
According to the report, “he stated that he did not realise he was approaching Sandilands until the tram turned into the curve”. Some passengers described the crash that followed as “like being in a washing machine”, the RAIB said. People fell through the openings where windows had smashed and doors were torn off.
They were “crushed under the tram” as it slid for three seconds and 27 metres before coming to rest.
It was the worst accident involving a British tram in more than 90 years, investigators said.
They made 15 safety recommendations including operator Tram Operations Ltd, owned by FirstGroup, reviewing its management of driver fatigue, the use of tougher windows and better signage at high risk locations.
Since the accident infra red eye monitors have been installed in each cab on the Croydon tram network as part of a series of safety enhancements.
Forensic analysis by the RAIB found that the tram involved in the derailment reached the maximum permitted speed of 50mph as it entered the first of three tunnels that stretch for 500 metres.
It should have slowed down significantly as it emerged from the tunnels on the approach to the sharp left-hand curve at Sandilands junction.
Mr Dorris did apply the brakes but the tram was still travelling at 45mph when it passed a speed limit sign, entered the corner and turned over onto its right-hand side.
He was arrested at the scene and questioned on suspicion of manslaughter and is on bail after last being interviewed by police in October.
The RAIB report is separate to the criminal investigation.
London’s Transport Commissioner Mike Brown said a wide range of additional safety measures have been introduced on the tram network since the crash “to make sure such a tragedy can never happen again”.