Slashdot Mirror
Circuit Flaws Blamed For China Train Crash
hackingbear writes "The Xinhua news agency reports that a signaling equipment circuit design flaw and lack of safety alertness in railway management caused a high-speed train to ram into a stalled train near the city of Wenzhou in east China's Zhejiang Province on Saturday, leaving 40 people dead and 191 injured. A lightning strike triggered the malfunction, which resulted in a green alert light failing to turn red, leaving railway personnel unaware of the stalled train, the official said. The Beijing National Railway Research and Design Institute of Signal and Communication Co., which was responsible for designing and building the signaling system, has posted an apology letter on its website, offering condolences and promising to 'shoulder any due punishments that may result from the investigation.' Domestic media has raised more questions over the explanation. 'Why was such seriously flawed equipment in use for nearly two years without being detected? Why was it installed in as many as 76 rail stations across the country? Are there other problems with the railway apart from equipment flaws?'"
Why was such seriously flawed equipment in use for nearly two years without being detected?
Because it hadn't been struck by lightning until now.
Why was it installed in as many as 76 rail stations across the country?
Because hardware designs are re-used.
Are there other problems with the railway apart from equipment flaws?
Probably.
Great minds think alike; fools seldom differ.