Re: Near miss at Victoria (London)

["Harold rush" <rushed@ozemail.com.au>]

Flinders St.3-94. Had the misadventure of my son (aged 3) and his wheelchair
rolling off the edge of platform 2. I was distracted by the sight of a
Tangara set at platform 3. I quickly checked both ways, jumped in the pit
and with the help of others retrieved him. The whole time I was panicking
about a train arriving. As we got out of the pit and composed ourselves the
station master arrived. He firstly checked if we were ok, organised an
ambulance and took us to the first aid room. On the way there I told him of
my worries of a train coming while we were in the pit. His reply was that
there was no risk as he had immediately had ALL signals turned to red and
cut the overhead power to ALL of Flinders St. station and yards.This was for
a period of two or three minutes. I don't know where the power was switched
but may well have been at the Jolimont sub-station. I have nothing but
praise for the staffs caring and efficient assistance.
This is a true story.
Harry Rush. rushed@ozemail.com.au

<james_shugg@my-deja.com> wrote in message
92vtoe$igr$1@nnrp1.deja.com">news:92vtoe$igr$1@nnrp1.deja.com...
> This is off topic geographically, but may be of interest to those who
> follow safe-working practices.
>
> A major signal failure at Victoria station caused big delays last night
> (2/1). All signals were at red, and drivers were being told
> individually to pass them. However two packed, late trains left at the
> same time from different platforms on converging tracks, and only the
> quick action of a signaller who issued a verbal "Stop!" command to all
> trains in the vicinity, and cut power to the trains (they were both
> sparks), averted a collision. According to media reports, the trains
> had reached about 15mph, but ended stopping about 15 metres apart.
>
> Can signallers on the various Australian electric systems cut power to
> trains like that, on the basis of a split second decision?
>
> James
>
>
>
> Sent via Deja.com
> http://www.deja.com/