Lawsuit filed over Austrian tunnel fire
US lawyers have filed a lawsuit against a number of companies in connection with the Austrian mountain tunnel fire in which 155 people died.
They say the aim of the action is to highlight the inadequate security measures in Austrian trains and tunnels, rather than to reap financial rewards.
However, they are seeking nearly US$3 billion (just over £2 billion) in compensation against Funicular operator Gletscherbahnen Kaprun, Austrian firms Waagner Biro, Swoboda Karosserie et Tahlbau Gesellschaft m.b.H, Oesterreichische Elektrizitaetswirtschaft and the Italian American firm Leitner.
At least eight of the victims of the tunnel fire were from the US and three are reported to be members of the US army.
