NSW: Train crash probe to look at signal failure = 2

AAP General News (Australia)
12-03-1999
NSW: Train crash probe to look at signal failure = 2

The owners of the Indian Pacific said its driver followed procedures by stopping at
the red signal and then proceeding with caution.

"It stopped at a red signal ... it then (made) contact with train control and then
moved forward with caution, it moved very slowly," Great Southern Railway chief executive
Stephen Bradford told AAP.

"There had been some other previous red signals and that's how the train had been proceeding
in accordance with train orders."

He said the driver returned a negative test for drugs and alcohol.

The National Rail Authority was this morning analysing the train's data logger, he said.

Drivers of the Indian Pacific are contracted out by the National Rail Corporation.

Mr Bradford said in terms of train operating practice, when drivers approached a red
signal that didn't turn green, they were to call a central control and await instructions.

If there was no response from control, drivers were permitted to proceed with caution.

Mr Bradford said yesterday's driver stopped at the red signal and rolled out slowly,
moving just 50 metres.

AAP sal/jk/it

KEYWORD: TRAIN 2ND D/L 2 SYDNEY (REOPENS)

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