Podcast

Cause of train crash still unknown

Updated: 2010-07-21 11:25

A probe into a rail crash in eastern India that claimed more than 60 lives focused Tuesday on why a packed express train hurtled at high speed into a station where it was scheduled to halt.

The express roared into Sainthia station in West Bengal state at 90 km an hour (60 miles an hour) early Monday and slammed with enormous force into the rear of a stationary train waiting to leave the platform.

More than 160 people were injured and two of them died overnight, raising the overall death toll to 63.

Speculation and looming state elections in West Bengal produced a host of theories in the immediate wake of the crash, as the potential for blame was shifted between politicians and railway officials.

Indian Railway Board Chairman Vivek Sahay suggested that human error was the most likely cause, saying the express driver had ignored a stop signal and then failed to reduce speed as he approached the station.

"Why was the train traveling so fast? The driver didn't even touch the brakes or the emergency brakes," Sahay said.

With the express hurtling towards them, officials at Sainthia station issued frantic warnings over the public address system, telling those on the platform to run for safety.

Retired train drivers interviewed by several Indian newspapers questioned Sahay's version of events, saying the fact that neither the driver nor his assistant attempted to apply the brakes suggested a signal failure or other technical malfunction.

Railways Minister Mamata Banerjee had initially raised the possibility of sabotage, a move her opponents said was aimed at deflecting criticism for a recent spate of train accidents on her watch.

Questions:

1. What was the name of the station?

2. How many people were injured?

3. How many people died?

Answers:

1. Sainthia.

2. 160.

3. 63.

去聽寫專區一展身手

（中國日報網英語點津 Helen 編輯）

Cause of train crash still unknown

About the broadcaster:

Cause of train crash still unknown

Lee Hannon is Chief Editor at China Daily with 15-years experience in print and broadcast journalism. Born in England, Lee has traveled extensively around the world as a journalist including four years as a senior editor in Los Angeles. He now lives in Beijing and is happy to move to China and join the China Daily team.