The train driven by Driver Barrett found the departure signal at Roseville railway station at stop (red), and in accordance with the rules "tripped" past the train stop.
Shortly after this a third train, approaching round a curve from the opposite direction, collided with the wreckage.
One such occasion was also at Roseville on 1908 when the guard fell off the train and a passenger applied the brakes.
[4] Driver Barrett reported that he had a coughing fit after tripping past the red signal, and that he had thus been distracted.
The Board of Inquiry consisted of 3 men:[6] Driver Barrett accepted full responsibility for the accident.
[7] Of the six train crew involved, the Board of Inquiry absolves five, including Guard Cross, and except for Driver Barrett.