NSW: Train driver said no signal failures on the line

AAP General News (Australia)
02-15-2000
NSW: Train driver said no signal failures on the line

The driver of a train travelling ahead of two trains involved in the Glenbrook rail
disaster west of Sydney has told an inquiry he encountered no signal failures on the track
just before the accident.

Seven people died in the collision between the Indian Pacific and a commuter train
400 metres from Glenbrook station in the New South Wales Blue Mountains on December 2.

An inquiry into the crash heard yesterday that the driver of the commuter train involved
in the crash was given permission to go through a red signal light minutes before the
accident.

But State Rail Authority train driver IAN RAMSEY HOOK has told the inquiry in Sydney
today that signals in the area were working just minutes before the crash.

Mr HOOK said the signal was green as he left Glenbrook station at 7.57am.

Under cross-examination Mr HOOK said the area between Lapstone and Blaxland was notoriously
bad for two-way radio communication.

He also said train drivers using the metro net system couldn't communicate with other
train drivers.

AAP RTV jo/bd/sb/rt/rp

KEYWORD: GLENBROOK (SYDNEY)

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