Probe into claims train driver was asleep

SCOTRAIL has launched an investigation into allegations a driver fell asleep at the controls of a train heading to Edinburgh.

The train was travelling at speeds of between 50 and 60mph from Fife yesterday morning when an amateur photographer took pictures of the Scotrail train from a bridge near Edinburgh Airport.

The photographer is said to have shot three frames within a couple of seconds where there was allegedly no change to the driver’s pose, which was with eyes apparently closed and head tilted to the side. Scotrail trains are fitted with safety systems including emergency automatic braking systems that kick in if the driver does not respond within a few seconds.

A Scotrail spokesman said: “After The Herald shared photographs of one of our drivers, we are conducting an internal investigation.”