Train driver might not be prosecuted

The driver who failed to heed a red signal, causing last Saturday's fatal train crash in Amsterdam, might not be prosecuted.

FNV Union has asked public prosecutors to hold off on filing charges against the train operator. “No driver would deliberately pass a red signal. If this happens, then there must be something else going on. There could be a reason why he didn't see the signal,” said union director Roel Berghuis.

FNV is also concerned that if the driver is charged before the investigation is completed, it could discourage other drivers from reporting mistakes. The union claims that it is more important to determine first what lessons need to be learned from this accident to improve safety.

42 people were seriously injured in the train collision. 75 people suffered lesser injuries. On Sunday, one of the victims, a 68-year-old woman, died.

Berghuis has also called for all trains to be fitted with a system that activates the brake if the train drives through a red signal. Currently, many trains are automatically brought to a halt when they pass through a red signal, but only if they are travelling faster than 40 kilometres per hour. Berghuis say a newer system should be used which would also stop trains moving at slower speeds.

(dcf/imm)