Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), Thursday 10 July 1952, page 3


Berala Inquest

SYDNEY, Wednesday

Driver of the moving train in-volved in the Berala smash had his hands on the controls a sec-on or two before the crash, Frank Harrison, of Elizabeth Street, Berala, said in Para-matta Coroner's Court today.

In evidence before the Coroner (Mr. Smythe), Harrison said he was waiting for the Bankstown train when he saw it come out of the fog and crash into the rear of a stationary Liverpool train.

Harrison was giving evidence at an inquest into the deaths of 10 persons killed as a result of the collision at Berala station, about 7 a.m on May 7.

He said that when he saw the train he gained the impression that the brakes were full on.

"I can say definitely that this train came in slower on that occasion than the rate at which they usually come in." he said.

Leslie George Wade, of Har-grave Park, said that shortly after the collision, he saw the guards of the two trains talking together.

He said that the Liverpool train's guard said to the guard of the Bankstown train "I looked behind and saw the front of a tram approaching from the rear, and I shouted, 'Jump or pro-tect yourselves."

"I also gave the signal to the driver to proceed, even though I

knew he would not."

'The inquiry was adjourned until 10 a.m tomorrow.