Fatal train crash caused by human error
Human error by a controller caused last week’s fatal head-on collision between two trains in Germany, a local prosecutor revealed today.
Wolfgang Giese said a 39-year-old train controller was responsible for the crash that killed 11 people and injured scores more in Bavaria, southern Germany.
The area controller had opened the track to the two trains, he said, and tried to warn the drivers.
The man is likely to be charged with involuntary manslaughter and could face up to five years in jail.
"If he had complied with the rules… there would have been no collision," said Giese.
The trains crashed head-on close to the spa town of Bad Aibling while both were travelling at about 60mph
Police have said at least 16 people suffered critical injuries and another 63 had less serious injuries.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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