Nine dead, 50 seriously injured after head-on train crash in Bavaria, Germany

Skybird · 02-16-16, 11:30 AM

It is confirmed that it was human error committed by the "Fahrdienstleiter" (signal man, dispatcher, traffic regulator, however you call him in English). No alcohol and no intention, drug test results still missing, but most likely nothing there, too. He tried to radio both train via emergency calls and sent out warnings, but to no avail.

The man is 39 years old, and serves in his job since 20 years.

Just a terrible human mistake, like throwing a glass of water off the table with the ellbow. I cannot condemn him. I do not want to be in his skin now.

Charges are about "fahrlässige Tötung" - negligent homicide.

Jimbuna · 02-16-16, 11:45 AM

A potential maximum sentence of five years in prison if found guilty.

kraznyi_oktjabr · 02-16-16, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skybird

It is confirmed that it was human error committed by the "Fahrdienstleiter" (signal man, dispatcher, traffic regulator, however you call him in English). No alcohol and no intention, drug test results still missing, but most likely nothing there, too. He tried to radio both train via emergency calls and sent out warnings, but to no avail.

The man is 39 years old, and serves in his job since 20 years.

Just a terrible human mistake, like throwing a glass of water off the table with the ellbow. I cannot condemn him. I do not want to be in his skin now.

Charges are about "fahrlässige Tötung" - negligent homicide.

How is that possible? Here we have (in mainlines and many branches) mechanical/electric safety checks which (in theory, see my preivous post) are intended to prevent setting conflicting routes. Is there not such safety systems in place in German railways or atleast in that accident route?

Skybird · 02-16-16, 12:15 PM

The safeties all worked as they should. But one of the trains was late, and he used an override command to bypass a red signal for it to get it rolling/keep it rolling. When he realised his mistake, he tried to warn the trains, but it was too late.

No technical failure.

I'mOnABoat · 02-26-16, 11:25 AM

Wow. That's sad. I think making a mistake like that would destroy me. I would never be the same again. I feel bad for him and for the families of everyone that was on either train. The whole thing is just really sad.

mako88sb · 02-26-16, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by I'mOnABoat

Wow. That's sad. I think making a mistake like that would destroy me. I would never be the same again. I feel bad for him and for the families of everyone that was on either train. The whole thing is just really sad.

Yes, I think most people would feel the same way. Unfortunately, there are others that try to do everything they can to lay the blame elsewhere. We had a horrible head-on crash between a freight train and passenger express back in 1986 killing 23 people. The freight train took a siding like it was supposed to but for some unknown reason failed to stop and went back onto the main line. They figure the brakeman must of fallen asleep. They also thing the engineer may of had a heart attack. Whatever the reason, there was still the caboose at the back and the conductors main job was to hit the emergency brakes in such a situation which he never did so obviously he must of fallen asleep as well. He was the only survivor of that train crew and during the accident inquiry he kept insisting he was awake and trying to contact the front but he could never answer why he didn't hit the emergency brakes. They did a crash investigation episode about it. Here's part 1 of it:

I should point out that the rail company was found partly at fault with some of the operating conditions crews were expected to follow being responsible for the fatigue that contributed to the accident.

Oberon · 04-12-16, 02:35 PM

Erk.

Quote:

A German train controller has been arrested over the February rail crash that killed 11 people in Bavaria, as prosecutors suspect he was distracted by a computer game at the time.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-36025951

Not good, not good at all.

Schroeder · 04-12-16, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oberon

Erk.

Not good, not good at all.

It happens every day on the roads so no surprise here.

02-16-16, 11:30 AM	#1
Skybird Soaring Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: the mental asylum named Germany Posts: 42,660 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	It is confirmed that it was human error committed by the "Fahrdienstleiter" (signal man, dispatcher, traffic regulator, however you call him in English). No alcohol and no intention, drug test results still missing, but most likely nothing there, too. He tried to radio both train via emergency calls and sent out warnings, but to no avail. The man is 39 years old, and serves in his job since 20 years. Just a terrible human mistake, like throwing a glass of water off the table with the ellbow. I cannot condemn him. I do not want to be in his skin now. Charges are about "fahrlässige Tötung" - negligent homicide. __________________ If you feel nuts, consult an expert.

02-16-16, 11:45 AM	#2
Jimbuna Chief of the Boat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 250 metres below the surface Posts: 190,645 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 13	A potential maximum sentence of five years in prison if found guilty. __________________ Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Oh my God, not again!!

02-16-16, 12:15 PM	#4
Skybird Soaring Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: the mental asylum named Germany Posts: 42,660 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	The safeties all worked as they should. But one of the trains was late, and he used an override command to bypass a red signal for it to get it rolling/keep it rolling. When he realised his mistake, he tried to warn the trains, but it was too late. No technical failure. __________________ If you feel nuts, consult an expert.

02-26-16, 11:25 AM	#5
I'mOnABoat Swabbie Join Date: Feb 2016 Posts: 9 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Wow. That's sad. I think making a mistake like that would destroy me. I would never be the same again. I feel bad for him and for the families of everyone that was on either train. The whole thing is just really sad.