A cleaning lady stole a train and drove it off the end of the tracks and smashed into a house in Sweden yesterday, injuring only herself in an incident police are investigating.
It was not clear how the woman, around 20, got access to the key needed to start the train. She was taken to hospital with serious injuries, but the train was carrying no other passengers as it was in the early hours and no one in the house was hurt.
“The cleaner drove the train at high speed, considerably higher than normal on that stretch, to where the rails end and crashed into a house,” said Jesper Pettersson, spokesman at Stockholm Public Transport (SL).
The train ploughed past the end of the line and vaulted over a street separating the house from the depot, crashing through a balcony and into a downstairs room in the upscale suburb of Saltsjobaden. (Reuters)
Course for wannabe X Factor stars
A course specifically designed to prepare wannabe pop stars to pass the audition stage of ITV talent the X Factor show has been launched.
Bishop Auckland College, County Durham, claim to be the first in the country to offer the chance to prepare people for going on the X Factor.
Students enrolling on the 17-week programme, which ends just before the auditions stage begins, will receive technical tuition in singing and performing and coaching on how to project themselves confidently. (PA)
Famous dog trapped in revolving door
A Tatler magazine dog which attracted thousands of Twitter followers has died after getting trapped in revolving doors.
Daily updates on the life of miniature long-haired dachshund Alan – such as “morning yoga sesh. Nailing the Cobra” – attracted legions of fans. The dog, which had more than 2,500 followers, is thought to have got trapped in the revolving doors at Vogue House, magazine firm Conde Nast’s London headquarters. (PA)
Gene may help create born leaders
A gene has been uncovered that may help to create born leaders.
The leadership gene, known as rs4950, is an inherited DNA sequence associated with people taking charge.
Scientists from University College London accept leadership skills are also learned. But the gene may provide the vital push needed to make someone into a manager rather than a minion. (PA)