Spain train crash-The phone caused it all

It has emerged that the embattled driver of the Spanish train which derailed near Santiago de Compestela in northwestern Spain last week, killing 80 passenger pilgrims was on talking on phone, information from data recorders suggest. On Tuesday the Spanish court hearing the train crash case has announced that the 52 old was receiving instructions from his bosses while driving at double the recommended speed when the tragedy occurred. The train derailed when negotiating a curve between Madrid and Ferrol. It is said many of the passengers were pilgrims who had travelled to attend the St James festival.

The court said that Mr. Garzon received a call from one of Renfe staff members giving him instructions as he neared the bend. The statement further added that there was background noise which indicates that he was shuffling papers. According to Renfe spokeswoman, in their company both the command and control posts may exchange a few words with drivers at any time during a journey. She added that when the official phones are not working well the drivers are obliged to use their cell-phones. The revelation by the spokeswoman had left many flabbergasted especially in countries where it is illegal to talk on phone while driving.

Experts say the driver should have started applying brakes 2 to 3 miles before the curve. However reports indicate that he started braking minutes before the crash and that he was still on phone when the cabins left the tracks.

Mr. Francisco Jose Garzon, who survived with minor injuries was taken for questioning and later charged with 79 homicide related counts early this week were he admitted his recklessness. His travel documents together with his driving license have since been confiscated and he was ordered not to drive any sort of vehicle for six months.

Meanwhile on Monday a large memorial mass was held in remembrance of the victims at a Catholic cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. Spain government officials and the royal family attended. Among the dead were 63 Spanish and others from Europe, US and Latin America United States.