Killer train crash ‘ caused by controller’

A TRAIN crash which killed 11 people was caused by human error, it was claimed yesterday.

The German prosecutor in charge of investigating the head- on collision in Bavaria last Tuesday said the investigation was focusing on a 39- year- old signal controller who was in charge that morning.

Investigators said that the man, a controller since 1997, gave a special signal to one of the trains “which should not have been given”, causing the trains to collide on the single- line track.

Realising his mistake, he issued a distress signal, but the warning did not reach the train drivers.

The man is being held at “a safe location” for his own protection. He faces possible charges of causing death through negligence.

Prosecutor Wolfgang Giese said: “He is not feeling well. Our criminal investigations focus on human failure with catastrophic results, but not on causing the train crash with intent.

“Had he behaved properly and dutifully, the train crash wouldn’t have happened.”

As well as the deaths, another 24 passengers were severely injured in the crash. A further 60 suffered lighter injuries.