Speeding, driver negligence led to train accident

DAMMAM: Speeding and driver negligence were responsible for a Dammam-Riyadh passenger train derailing on June 27, an official investigation has found.
The accident happened when the train was running at a speed of 119 km per hour after entering the storage area where the allowed speed limit was 30 km, local newspapers reported, quoting the investigation report.
Thirty-five people were injured when the Saudi Railways Organization (SRO) train from Dammam to Riyadh carrying 332 passengers derailed near Al-Khurais junction, about 70 km from Riyadh.
SRO ordered an investigation shortly after the accident.
According to the findings, the derailment was not caused by any technical glitch.
The investigation report said: “The safety conditions of the train were perfect.
“All safety rules and conditions were sound and there were no external factors such as weather or condition of the rail track that may have contributed to the accident.”
The specialist technical team that prepared the investigation comprised experts in train operation, maintenance engineering and safety.
The report showed the control systems at signals and junctions were functioning well.
The rest time for the train driver and his assistant between the two services was sufficient and they were fine physically and mentally to operate the service.
The team did not detect any cracks or sabotage on the track causing the derailment.
The report added: “On the basis of this, we come to the conclusion that the direct cause for the accident is negligence on the part of the engine driver and his assistant in complying with operation rules and regulations and listening to communication signals. “This included the driver’s failure to notify the higher authorities about letting his assistant drive the train.”
SRO said that it took immediate steps to ensure the safety of passengers and improve the quality of service provided to them.
The report added: “Accordingly, we sought the help of an international expert in the operation of trains to take control of operations at the central control room. We also applied the European Train Control System (ETCS).”
It added strict directives have been issued to officials in charge of operating the service to closely follow regulations and warned stringent penal action would be taken against those who violate the regulations.
Earlier, SRO denied reports that attributed the accident to some thefts on the railway track.
Local newspaper reports said unidentified thieves had stolen the optical fiber cables that link the special control system for the railway tracks between Dammam and Riyadh, causing it to fail to respond to commands.
But later SRO sources reiterated that nothing had been stolen from the track.