Glenbrook train disaster 10 years on (10News)

This is the only news i could find of this story from the Blue Mountains Gazette

Marking 10 years since Glenbrook train disaster
BY MICHAEL CLEGGETT
28 Oct, 2009 12:12 PM
Its hard to believe that almost 10 years have passed since the Glenbrook train disaster robbed families of loved ones and left some survivors scarred for life.
Seven people were killed and 51 injured when a commuter train from Lithgow smashed into the back of the Indian Pacific on December 2, 1999.

A number of events will be held to commemorate the anniversary.

There will be a plaque unveiling specifically for survivors and victims families while the wider community have been invited to a picnic and formal dinner.

For Blackheath resident Krista Thomas — mother and grandmother of victims Natasha and Flynn — the commemorations will be an opportunity to get together with people to share stories, to share laughter and even a bit of sadness if people want.

A decade on and while the raw trauma of the day seems more remote, Krista said the pain caused by the absence of loved ones is something she will struggle with for the rest of her life.

For her, it has been about finding a way to adjust to life without Natasha and Flynn.

Each person has a different way of coming to terms with the death of someone they absolutely loved and adored, and my way is to think of them constantly, said Krista. I have photos of them and I talk to my family and my friends about them, and theyre still very much a part of our lives. Theyre not forgotten in any way.

Kristas son, Sean, is organising the December 2 dinner with his partner Cassie Heath. He said the aim was to not only commemorate those who died, but also to celebrate those who survived.

We wanted to remember — as we will never forget — in a positive and meaningful way, said Sean. We wanted to do something a little bit special.

Leuras Everglades Garden will host the open community picnic on November 29. There will be music, speeches and a sausage sizzle while guests are also welcome to bring their own picnic lunch.

Blue Mountains mayor Adam Searle said it was fitting that the event be held in a much-loved and peaceful location, where funeral services were held for some of those who lost their lives in the tragedy.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Cityrail
• railcorp
• staterail
• glenbrook
• sydney
• train
• railway

[anyluck1]

The day of the accident was the first time in 3 months at my new job that I was running late. I remember getting a call from my mother just after the accident as I was sitting on Glenbrook station. First time I missed the train and it saved my life. I would have normally been standing in the front of the front carriage as it was always packed by the time this train got to Glenbrook. I feel I was so lucky and have alot of sorrow for those that Died and were injured.

[my90tp]

I live in Blaxland which is the suburb up from Glenbrook, To this Day each time I hop on a train and go through Glenbrook it still gives me Chill's To think that my neighbour (now moved) was on the intercity train in the rear carraige a breif but life saving choice