German Rail Disaster: British soldiers on hand

Wednesday 03 June 1998 23:02 BST

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A BRITISH soldier who led a unit of troops to help rescue victims of the German rail disaster in which scores of people died, spoke last night of the "absolute devastation".

Colour Sergeant Phil Forsyth, 32, from Newcastle, and 20 soldiers from the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers, based at Celle in Germany, were among the first to arrive at the site.

Sgt Forsyth, speaking from the regiment's base just minutes away said: "An horrific sight met us. Some five or six carriages were piled up on top of each other. It was completely silent. Nobody could have walked away from that. I fear the death toll will be very high."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Thank you for registering

German Rail Disaster: British soldiers on hand

Join our commenting forum

Thank you for registering