A tragic day one year on

In the cold blackness of early morning, the survivors and the bereaved gathered at Great Heck, next to the East Coast Main Line. A few minutes after 6am, the quiet was broken by the sound of an approaching train.

That sound immediately transported the onlookers back in time, to exactly a year ago. Those who escaped the wreckage reflected on the nightmare that changed their lives for ever.

And those who lost loved ones remembered them: the husbands, sons, fathers and brothers who set off for an ordinary day's work and never returned.

As the GNER express and the freight train approached Great Heck today, they slowed and sounded their horns. Above them, the Selby rail disaster victims wept. A hauntingly moving moment.

This morning's track-side ceremony, and this afternoon's memorial service at Selby Abbey, should offer some comfort to those still struggling to come to terms with what happened a year ago.

The anniversary of a tragedy is always difficult, and the first anniversary is hardest of all. We can only hope that today helps to close a terrible chapter in the lives of all those involved.

The conviction of Gary Hart for causing the crash was, to some, controversial, prompting questions as to whether he was punished for a genuine criminal offence, or for human frailty. But Hart was the catalyst of the grotesque catalogue of chance that led to the carnage. For the victims, his imprisonment provided a much-needed conclusion.

After today, they can begin to move forward and rebuild their lives. Unfortunately this healing process will be stalled for the 15 seeking compensation from Fortis, Hart's insurers, until their claims are settled. Fortis must do all it can to reach a quick agreement without resorting to a courtroom squabble.

Finally, we must not forget the residents of Great Heck, who reacted so heroically a year ago. For them, today was a time of reflection. They will now wish for their village to resume its peaceful anonymity.

Updated: 11:53 Thursday, February 28, 2002