Rail crash inquiry hears signal phone tampering claims

At the Glenbrook Rail Accident Inquiry, there has been a suggestion that a signal phone at the accident site could possibly have been tampered with afterwards.

The inquiry is still hearing from one of the two drivers on the Indian Pacific train, David Willoughby.

Mr Willoughby gave evidence last week that when he tried to use the trackside phone, minutes before the accident, the press to ring button was missing.

He was unable to contact the Penrith signal station to report a red signal.

Since the accident, the press to ring instruction has disappeared, and a notice has been put on the phone saying the button is not operational and Penrith can be contacted by cranking the handle.

Mr Willoughby was asked whether he saw any rail staff and one person in particular inspecting the phone after the accident.

He said he saw several people milling around, but could not recall seeing the person in question.

Link

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newslink/nat/newsnat-21feb2000-55.htm

-- Carl Jenkins (Somewherepress@aol.com), February 21, 2000