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Signalman was playing on phone before fatal crash

A German railway signalman accused of involuntary manslaughter has admitted to playing a mobile phone game while on duty.

40-year-old Michael Paul is on trial for his role in a high-speed head-on collision near Bad Aibling in February, resulting in five fatalities.  

David Charter writes that Mr Paul allowed both trains to enter a single line section, and had chance to prevent the crash through an emergency call to the drivers but pressed the wrong button. 

The trial is expected to conclude next month. 

We've read it in: The Times, November 11 2016, p43