NT: Road train drivers under scrutiny following Ghan crash

AAP General News (Australia)
12-14-2006
NT: Road train drivers under scrutiny following Ghan crash

Road train drivers have come under scrutiny following the derailment of The Ghan in
the Northern Territory outback.

Two people are in hospital after a road train collided with the train on Tuesday at
a level crossing at Ban Ban Springs .. south of Darwin.

NT Chief Minister CLARE MARTIN says she's concerned by reports road train drivers aren't
following the rules.

Police .. the Rail Safety Group and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau are all
conducting investigations into the incident.

Ms MARTIN she'll meet representatives next week to talk about the conduct of the truck
drivers .. including the possibility of additional training and penalties.







The 57-year-old truck driver involved in the collision with the Ghan has been arrested
.. but police won't lay charges while he recovers from injuries at the Royal Darwin Hospital.

A woman aged in her 50s remains in hospital after being airlifted from the scene with
serious head injuries.

CEO of the Great Southern Railway .. TONY BRAXTON-SMITH .. says investigations into
the crash will examine the black box to determine whether a whistle was blown by the train
driver before the accident.

The track is expected to be open for general use tomorrow evening .. when a train which
has already left Adelaide goes through to Darwin.

AAP RTV tr/els/bart

KEYWORD: GHAN (DARWIN)

2006 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.