First Great Western issues apology for "shocking and callous" on train announcements following fatality
First Great Western has been forced to apologise after an employee announced delays on a train to Plymouth were caused because someone "couldn't be bothered to live anymore".
Esmee Phillips complained to the rail company about the "shocking and callous" announcements which she says left passengers "completely open-mouthed".
First Great Western has since apologised for "any distressed caused" by Friday's announcements which occurred when a man was killed on the line between Slough and Reading.
Phillips said passengers on the train headed for Plymouth "cringed" at what they heard.
"It was shocking as it was said in a very callous and tasteless way, especially as you don't know what personal experiences other passengers have gone through," she said.
A spokesperson for First Great Western told the press: "We expect high standards from our onboard teams, who are trained to make clear announcements about delays. When this involves a fatality this should be done with sensitivity and care. We're sorry for any distress caused to customers and can confirm that this incident is under investigation."
Jay Young, who was also travelling on Friday, added the announcements made people in his carriage "gasp".