Schoolboy Martin Rosinski has invented a £40 device that could put an end to the carnage on Britain's railways.
The youngster's electronic box, which fits on to train axles, could avoid disasters such as the Hatfield crash.
Martin, 16, who was sitting a biology GCSE with his classmates yesterday, is hoping the invention will help him become a multi-millionaire.
He has already designed a device to protect lorries in high winds and won a £37,000 Government research grant.
Yesterday, Martin, a pupil at Ponteland High School, Northumberland, said: "My device uses a sensor to detect the stress put on train axles.
"Satellite navigation technology then locates the spot on the track where the damage has occurred. It can pinpoint the spot within 15 metres and should stop the need for lengthy track tests."
Martin is now in line for the Young Electronic Designer of the Year Award, which he has won for the last three years.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article