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Senate Majority Leader Harvey Peeler last Thursday introduced a bill that will specify standards for permits regarding miniature trains, like the one that derailed in Spartanburg County.
Named Benji’s Law, it’s in honor of Benji Easler, a Cherokee County six-year-old who was killed when the train left the tracks in March. He was at Cleveland Park with his church group, led by his father, Reverend Dwight Easler.
“To lose a life like Benji’s is a tragedy. We must do what we can to make sure this never happens again,” Peeler said. “Sometimes the state has to step in and ensure safety standards. This is one of those times.”
A recent report said that the reason the train derailed was because of operator error — mainly, it was going too fast.
An investigation also showed the train wasn’t undergoing proper maintenance and inspections. An investigation by local television station WSPA in March found that a maintenance report hadn’t been filed since October, and the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation inspector was fired after filing falsified reports.
There were also “persistent brake and wheel failures” that were supposedly fixed but continued to occur each year. In regard to the conductor, the investigation discovered, “his duties included ‘inspect train and check tracks.’ And ‘knowledge of engine mechanics helpful’ but not required.”
For the rest of the story, read The Blacksburg Times.
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