I would like to add to my comments on train safety following the recent tragedy involving a motor vehicle which caused the crash near Reading.

My main problem with the new trains is that in a crash involving fire, people would be unable to escape due to lack of opening windows and few doors resulting in chaos and death.

According to press and TV reports, this is exactly what happened. Passengers described panic and said they could not find the hammers to smash the windows in the dark.

Fortunately, the carriages did not catch fire but, had they done so, the consequences are too terrible to contemplate.

Assuming also that someone may have found a hammer, is this really a safe way to exit considering the shards of glass?

One victim whose arm came through a window almost had it cut off. Surely, for the sake of a few extra pounds, all windows could have handles, enabling fresh air when required and an emergency exit?

Of course, there will be a cry that someone will fall out or put their head out in a tunnel but you can't cater for the stupid or bravado boys, so shouldn't the ultimate safety of the many take preference over the odd few?

Harold Parkin

-Stonehill, Horam, Heathfield