|
|
|
| Sunday, 21 August 2005 |
 |
|
 |
News |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
World's worst train disaster at Peraliya : GMR could have saved train From the News Desk A former Sri Lanka Railways Chief Telecommunication Engineer Nimal Fernando in submissions to the Committee of Inquiry into the Train Disaster due to the Tsunami on December 26, 2004 claims that the world's worst train disaster at Peraliya on December 26, 2004 could have been averted if the General Manager of Railways (GMR) had instructed the Train Controllers at Maradana to inform all Engine Drivers and Guards of the Coast Line trains to stop the movements of their trains along the coastline. He says the GMR had been available at the Maradana Train Control Office on that day and he could have used available resources to do so. He also finds fault with the SLR management for not initiating an immediate inquiry into the disaster and not taking steps to save the lives of the commuters. According to his submissions the Head Guard of the ill-fated train had left the scene of the tragedy without informing his superiors and without calling for help to evacuate those trapped in the train. Fernando also claims that 70 Nos. of FM Mobile phones were provided by the GMR to train Drivers and Guards and they could have been used to give and receive instructions after the first tsunami waves struck the coast. |
|
| News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
| Produced by Lake House |
