Report on derailment at Bjørnstad, between Majavatn and Namsskogan at Nordlandsbanen line, train 5790, on 25 July 2019
Railway report 2020/04
At 17:40 on 25 July 2019, seven wagons on CargoNet AS’s freight train 5790 derailed at milepost 303.3 between Majavatn and Namsskogan on the Nordlandsbanen line. The train was en route from Bodø to Trondheim. The derailment was due to buckling that is related to earlier work on the track. Two of the wagons overturned and were left lying on the slope, while one wagon and a container ended up in the Namsen river.
One container on the train contained dangerous goods in the form of different types of gas cylinders. With the exception of ammonia, the container only contained non-toxic gases. Emissions of some of these gases to the air would not have been environmentally harmful or toxic, but it would have entailed a risk of explosion.
The AIBN has previously carried out four investigations into derailments related to buckling. Incorrect neutral temperature and failure to control the position of the track have been common factors in these incidents. The actions taken by Bane NOR SF have concerned competence raising, more stringent control procedures, better maintenance management and greater control of the position of the track. Several of the actions are also deemed to be relevant to this accident, which gives cause to conclude that there is still a need to address the problem of buckling and prior work on tracks.
The AIBN submits one safety recommendation in connection with this safety investigation. It is recommended that, in order to identify areas for improvement, Bane NOR review and evaluate previously implemented measures.
Photo: AIBN
Safety recommendation
Safety recommendation JB no 2020/05T
On Thursday 25 July 2019, CargoNet AS’s goods train 5790 derailed at milepost 303.3 between Majavatn and Namsskogan on the Nordlandsbanen line. The derailment was due to buckling that is related to earlier work on the track. The AIBN has conducted several investigations into derailments of this type. Several of the actions taken by Bane NOR SF after these investigations are deemed to also be relevant to this accident. It is therefore necessary to again address the problem of buckling and prior work on tracks.
The Accident Investigation Board Norway recommends that, in order to identify areas for improvement, the Norwegian Railway Authority order Bane NOR SF to review and evaluate previously implemented measures.
Facts
| Location | Bjørnstad, Nordlandsbanen line |
| Occurrence date | 25.07.2019 |
| Train No | 5790 |
| Type of Transportation | Freight train |
| Type of occurrence | Derailment |
| Rolling Stock | Freight wagon |