Report on derailment near Marnardal station on the Sørlandsbanen 27 October 2016
Railway report 2017/07
On Thursday 27 October 2016, a track maintenance vehicle started rolling uncontrolled towards Marnardal and derailed at a high speed after 5.6 km. The excavator was completely destroyed and damaged the infrastructure and surrounding terrain by Marnardal.
The Accident Investigation Board Norway (AIBN) concludes that two possible scenarios may have caused the excavator to start rolling out of control as it was being prepared for work. One scenario is linked to a technical fault in the brake system. The other concerns incorrect operation of the brakes.
The investigation of the brake system found errors in technical drawings, and a lack of risk assessments in connection with the introduction of new components and functions. The investigation of the operational procedures found errors in the procedures and a lack of compliance with procedures.
The vehicle was operated by NJD Railvac AS for Bane NOR SF. This means that Bane NOR SF has an overarching responsibility for safety management in the supplier’s activities.
The AIBN submits one safety recommendation for Bane NOR SF to strengthen its control of suppliers’ safety management through its management of suppliers.
Safety recommendation
Safety recommendation JB No 2017/07T
On Thursday 27 October 2016, a track maintenance vehicle started rolling uncontrolled towards Marnardal and derailed at a high speed after 5.6 km. The vehicle was operated by NJD Railvac AS for Bane NOR SF. This means that Bane NOR SF has an overarching responsibility for safety management in the supplier’s activities. NJD Railvac AS had made changes to the vehicle without carrying out a risk assessment, and there were weaknesses in the operational practice.
The Accident Investigation Board Norway recommends that the Norwegian Railway Authority request Bane NOR SF to strengthen its control of suppliers’ safety management through its management of suppliers.
Facts
| Location | Between Marnardal station and Audnedal station |
| Occurrence date | 27.10.2016 |
| Train No | 56972 |
| Type of Transportation | Working engine |
| Type of occurrence | Runaway train |
| Rolling Stock | Freight wagon |