KTMB collision now a criminal investigation, says Liow

PETALING JAYA: The collision between a KTM Berhad express train and an ETS train is being investigated by the police for criminal negligence after preliminary reports indicate an element of oversight.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai (pix) said there was supposed to be an "automatic protection system" that prevents the trains from colliding but it was turned off for yet to be known reasons.
"I have received the report and the cause is confirmed to be driver negligence, as such we will refer this case to the police for criminal investigations," Liow told reporters after attending Wesak Day celebrations at the Kuan Lin Teng temple, here.
He said the Ministry views the incident very seriously and will leave it to the police get to the root of the matter.
Liow added that the suspected driver has since been suspended with disciplinary action taken against him as well.
The two trains ferrying a total of 510 passengers collided on its sides at a cross over point near the Batang Kali KTM Station about 1pm on May 7, leaving 10 injured.
The 13-coach KTM train was en route from Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur while the six-coach ETS train was on the way from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh.