Thanks for posting that interesting article. Sounds like the perfect storm - late at night (2am when critical thinking is impaired), sick employee leaves 13 mins before accident, regular engineer on vacation, manager making bad decisions, no one in control center, and no formal policy on spotters. kapow!
The new changes will ultimately enhance guest safety, but unfortunately a young persons life was tragically lost. $33,000 doesn't sound like much of a fine.