Driver charged in Argentina's train crash
Updated: 2013-10-23 11:27
(Xinhua)
|
||||||||
BUENOS AIRES - The driver of the train that crashed in Buenos Aires over the weekend with 99 passengers injured was charged by a federal judge Tuesday as video footage showed him falling asleep at the wheel.
Julio Cesar Benitez, 45, was arrested and charged for his alleged role in the Saturday accident, as the train was pulling into the city's Once station, according to state news agency Telam.
Judicial sources said Benitez may be charged with causing severe harm due to negligence.
Video footage showed Benitez yawing repeatedly and appearing to doze off several times during the journey. But tests showed he was not under the influence of alcohol.
Benitez underwent medical tests, including DNA tests to match his blood with that found on the train's black box, which was later found in his bag.
"I felt I was losing too much blood and I was trying to recover my belongings that spread all over the floor," Benitez said in his testimony Monday.
Benitez said the train failed to stop as it entered the station, indicating that the braking mechanism was at fault. But he also said he had blurred memories of the event.
Related:
Nearly 100 injured in Buenos Aires train crash- Pumpkin fun ahead of Halloween
- Weakening Raymond soaks Mexico, no serious damage
- Apple unveils new Macs, iPad ahead of holidays
- Smart cities to aid urbanization
- In control & breaking the mold
- Higher retirement age may help solve pension problem
- Northeast remains shrouded in smog for third straight day
- Beijing Opera troupe perform in Brazil
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
Bribery claims feed milk scandal |
The fish that didn't get away |
Stranded in heavy snow at Qomolangma |
Riding the wave of big bargain buy-ups |
US Sinophile traces the evolution of Chinese words |
The dirt on tomb raiders |
Today's Top News
Top officials promote new power relations
Iowa, Hebei 'sister' visit wraps up
Yingli uses US sports stars in campaign
NASA: Chinese scientists not banned
China's US Treasury holdings hit six-month low
Graduate looks at kung fu-hip hop connection
Apple unveils new Macs, iPad
San Francisco train service restarts after strike
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |