2014/01

The accident at Alnabru container terminal on 9 January 2013 occurred as a consequence of the shunting unit travelling towards track C31 at too high a speed to be able to stop within the available braking distance. When track C31 turned out to be occupied, the shunting unit was unable to stop before crashing into the rolling stock of train 5509. The brakes of the freight car set were not connected, and the shunting engine's brakes alone did not provide sufficient braking capacity. The AIBN takes a critical view of the fact that regulations and instructions are not complied with during shunting operations at Alnabru terminal.

The AIBN recommends that the Norwegian Railway Authority follow up the railway enterprises at Alnabru with a view to reviewing the shunting procedures and ensuring that all operations are carried out in accordance with the regulations, shunting instructions and special local rules.

The accidents at Alnabru station in recent years have shown that the local traffic controllers do not have optimal working conditions for traffic control. The traffic controllers have to move between control panels to set shunting routes and control signals, and they have a minimal overview. In connection with previous accidents as well as this one, the AIBN has pointed out that the traffic control centre at Alnabru is outdated and poorly adapted to the current organisation and activities at the terminal.

The AIBN recommends that the Norwegian Railway Authority recommend that the Norwegian National Rail Administration consider upgrading the traffic control centre at Alnabru to achieve efficient and good work operations, a good exchange of information, overview and planning.