Reckless Killings

A still from footage from a trackside camera apparently shows the moment the train derailed
The completely unnecessary deaths of at least 70 people in Galicia the other day  throws a deadly spotlight on the crime of manslaughter - and the fact that those responsible for committing this offence often escape justice, in my opinion at least.

Now I know that the investigation into this terrible train crash are at an early stage, but even now it seems clear that the drivers of this huge vehicle were behaving terribly recklessly - by speeding along at 190 kilometres an hour when the speed limit was only 80 kilometres an hour.

The drivers escaped uninjured, presumably because they saw what was about to happen just before the train jumped the tracks - and were able to brace and save themselves.

But the poor passengers had no warning, no time to react, as they sat back reading a book, phoning a friend or perhaps enjoyed the simple pleasure of a cup of coffee - before their lives were cruelly snatched away - for many survival seemed completely impossible.

I'm sure that the drivers did not set out to kill anyone through their idiotic behaviour, but you know what - I don't really think that matters terribly much.

Because they knew, or at least they ought to have known the carnage and misery that could have been caused by behaving in such a reckless manner - and for that they deserve to spend the rest of their lives in jail.

Maybe that will happen and if it does, I'll take my hat off to Spanish justice - but although manslaughter does provide for a life sentence, depending on the facts and circumstances - more often than not the manslaughter results in a lesser punishment than the crime of murder.

But try telling that to the families of the 80 dead passengers and the 140 plus passengers whose lives have been devastated by terrible injuries - the result of completely lunatic behaviour by the drivers of a high speed train.

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