RMS contractor delayed co-operating with light rail electric shock investigation

THE independent report into the electric shock of a Sydney schoolgirl walking near light rail work failed to consider fully the evidence of a key witness.

A MAJOR maintenance contractor involved in a safety bungle in which a schoolgirl received an electric shock near the Sydney light rail has been accused of refusing to co-operate with an independent investigation into the incident.

There are now calls for the investigation to be reopened because the Roads and Maritime contractor delayed co-operating until the eleventh hour and the investigator was not able to fully consider all their evidence.

Crucially, the investigation has never determined which party was responsible for the disastrous chain of events that nearly killed 15-year-old Anna Lambden, who received an electric shock from a traffic signal pit in Haymarket on June 10.

Workers inspect equipment on the light rail project near the intersection of George St and Ultimo Rd, where Ms Lambden received an electric shock in June. Picture: David Swift

The State Opposition yesterday called for the investigation to be reopened saying the community “deserves a full and thorough investigation, not a cover-up based on the suppression of information”.

Independent investigator John Guselli said the Lend Lease Tyco Joint Venture, which maintains traffic control signals for RMS, initially withheld vital information from the investigation.

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Concerningly, the delay meant a “complete analysis … was not available”.

LTJV’s legal representatives did not provide the information until July 30 — when the investigation was “essentially concluded” and just four days before the report was handed down.

Anna Lambden was nearly killed in the incident.

Viola Morris, mother of victim Anna Lambden.

But critical information is still missing — Mr Guselli said “routine reports” relating to inspections were not available for review and neither was security vision of the incident, which was not provided by St George Bank.

An LTJV spokeswoman said the contractor apologised unreservedly for the “unplanned delay” and said it was strongly committed to protecting the safety of the public.

“LTJV participated willingly in the investigation and has provided all information requested,” she said.

Pedestrians cross at the intersection of George St and Ultimo Rd in Haymarket at the site of the incident. Picture: David Swift

“In consultation with RMS, LTJV will carefully review the investigation’s recommendations.”

A St. George spokeswoman said it was investigating the matter but “as a general rule, we do comply with the police and government bodies”.

NSW Opposition Leader Luke Foley slammed the report as “incomplete because the Berejiklian government did not require their private contractor to co-operate”.

“It’s unacceptable for the Government to wash its hands and try to avoid responsibility by hiding behind a private contractor,” he said.

Light rail construction has affected Devonshire St, Surry Hills, for much longer than the period expected. Picture: Jeremy Piper

Businesses along the light rail construction corridor such as Richard Campbell’s Eloura hair salon are feeling the effects of project delays. Picture: Toby Zerna

Workers and pedestrians on the light rail opposite Town Hall in George were engulfed in smoke one afternoon in July. Picture: John Grainger

Mr Foley called for the investigation to be reopened, saying: “If we don’t know what went wrong how can we prevent it from occurring again?”

Roads Minister Melinda Pavey said the government had “nothing to hide” but would not “politicise” the incident.

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“We do not cover up, we do not play the game like Labor plays the game … and we will not politicise the incident,” she said.

The last recorded access to the pit where Ms Lamden was shocked was in February but Mr Guselli concluded it was “possible” another party may have entered it since then.