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by Ranil Wijayapala

The committee probing the Rambukkana train mishap has expressed serious concern about the removal of the 'dead man device' from almost all train engines. The committee is now finalising its report to be handed over to Transport Minister Tilak Marapana next week.

The Railway Department sources told the 'Daily News' that they have seriously considered this as one of the closest reasons for the derailment of the Kandy inter-city train at Kirivellapitiya, Rambukkana on January 13.

It has also been revealed that engine drivers have allegedly removed this device from train engines as they have to pedal this device every 30 seconds for continuous operations as it automatically stops the train if it is not activated properly.

The functioning of this 'device' is helpful for engine drivers to control the train and avert accidents by preventing them falling asleep during their operations.

If they fall asleep, they are not in a position to control this device.

Investigations have also revealed that engine drivers have been compelled to remove this device as it is an obstacle for them when operating trains 12 to 15 hours continuously.

A three member committee headed by retired Appeal Court Judge Mr.O.W.O.B. Weerasena was appointed by Transport Minister Tilak Marapana to probe the train mishap in Rambukkana three days after the accident.

Dr. T.A. Piyasiri and Prof. W.M. Karunadasa of the Moratuwa University were the other members of the committee.

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