New Delhi: An inquiry set up by the
railway has squarely blamed its staff manning the signalling
system for the collision between two trains near Mathura that
claimed 22 lives last month.
"The integrity of signalling circuit was not properly
maintained," the Commissioner of Rail Safety (CRS) has
reportedly observed in his initial findings.
Finding fault with signalling staff, the CRS has
reportedly observed that the driver of the Goa Express was
supposed to take cue from the signal and since the signal
staff erred that caused the fatal accident, according sources
in Railway Ministry.
After the submission of the report, the findings are
under government consideration.
The Delhi bound Goa Samparkkranti Express rammed the
rear end of the stationary Mewar Express near Mathura, killing
22 and injuring an equal number of people in the wee hours on
October 21.
According to the preliminary report submitted by the
CRS PK Bajpai to the Railway Board, accident occurred due to
"failure of railway staff".
Suspecting sabotage, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee
has sought a CBI inquiry after the accident.
Bureau Report
First Published: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 23:07