RAMADAN TRAIN WRECK Muslim train driver crashed after going without food or drink for 15 hours during Ramadan

A MUSLIM train driver crashed after going without food or drink for 15 hours during Ramadan.

Rail accident experts claimed his fast caused the rush-hour derailment that led to three days of disruption.

The Great Western driver went through a double red light at London’s Paddington Station in June.

He made an emergency stop after realising his error but the empty train left the tracks, hit a gantry and brought down power lines at 6.12pm.

The driver, who clocked on at 1.07pm, had last had a meal at 2.30am.

The Rail Accident Investigation Board was unable to conclude fasting was a factor in the crash.

But it pointed out studies showed not eating can cause “sleepiness and reduction in concentration which can result in safety concerns, especially when conducting safety critical jobs”.

Great Western said its drivers were regularly briefed and monitored for competence.

It said station safety arrangements “prevented a more serious event”.

Islam forbids daytime eating and drinking during Ramadan, the ninth month of its calendar.