A spot of bother at Geneva


		On thursday 7th June 2007, whist on holiday at Montreux in Switzerland, we decided to make a trip to Geneva. With a choice of two trains each hour, we caught the 10.53am service, which had originated at Brig. A class 460 was at the head of the 8 coach train. With stops at Vevey, Lausanne, Renens, Morges, Gland, and Nyon, arrival at Geneva was on time at 12.03pm. During the next 4 hours, we walked around the Lake area, had a late lunch at a pavement cafe, walked into the city, and made our way back to the station in good time to catch the 15.56pm service back to Montreux.



		Arriving at the station with about 10 minutes to spare, we found the train already waiting in the platform. But intending passengers were grouped on the platform, and were being asked not to board the train. Then an announcement that the 15.56 service would be delayed, though by how long was not stated. Some time later, another announcement, though only in Swiss, French, and German. Meanwhile some passengers were leaving the station to seek alternative transport. Eventually we learned of a trackside incident between Geneva and Lausanne, but no information as to the likely departure time of our train. Rather than stand on the platform, we joined the train and sat down. Then another announcement, that the 15.56 train had been cancelled and that the next train to the Brig line would be the 16.56. In fact the 15.56 became the 16.56, and left on time, arriving at Montreux at 18.08.

		It was not until the following day that we heard that there had been a suicide on the line south of Lausanne, and until the body had been removed, the railway had been closed.