Kota Kinabalu: An investigation into the March 3 train and motor trolley collision in Tenom found that the accident was caused by negligence by the Railbus RB8801 driver.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said the driver failed to carry out the required machinery checks before departure, including closing the isolating valve on the Tenom End Driving Cab and performing a dynamic test to ensure the brake system was functioning properly.
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He, who is also Industry, Entrepreneurship, and Transport Minister, said the oversight caused the brake system to not operate fully, resulting in a collision with the motorised trolley on the track.
After the Railbus stopped at KM133/8, the driver corrected the isolating valve position and a subsequent test confirmed the brake system was functioning properly, allowing the train to return to Tenom Station without being towed.
Ewon said train services resumed normally on March 4 using the same Railbus and disciplinary action would be recommended against the driver while the Sabah State Railway Department will tighten standard operating procedures to prevent a recurrence of the incident.
