Report on collision between passenger train and tractor at Hagamælen level crossing, Dovre line on 31 May 2022
Railway report 2023/04
On 31 May 2022 at around 0645, SJ Norge AS 'passenger train 411 from Røros to Trondheim collided with a tractor on the Hagamælen level crossing just north of Støren station. The tractor driver died in the collision. In the safety investigation, the Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority has identifyed several possible contributing factors, but has not been able to conclude why the tractor driver did not stop in front of the level crossing. The report discusses, on a general basis, various reasons why road users might not handle level crossings in a safe manner. In particular, the Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority has shown that road users have a significant responsibility for ensuring that passing of the level crossing is safe, and that this responsibility is presumably greater than what is perceived by most road users.
Research, reports and observations show that there are a large number of different reasons why road users inadvertently make mistakes in these situations and thus end up in a very dangerous situation. The investigation has cited various surveys and observations that the flashing red stop signal is not observed by road users. It is uncertain why, and the Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority believes that The Norwegian Public Roads Administration should conclude in their work on alternatives to flashing red stop signals in closed tunnels. The results from this work may also be relevant for level crossings.
There are approximately 30 level crossings in Norway of similar type to the one at Hagamælen level crossing. The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority believes that Bane NOR SF should assess the safety of these level crossings and decide whether it is possible to improve safety further. Research has shown that people's sensory apparatus may need help to identify the most important information in a complex situation. The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority is therefore issuing a safety recommendation to Bane NOR SF relating to measures to increase attention at level crossings with flashing red stop lights and sound warnings.
Photo: NSIA
Published 06.07.2023
Safety recommendation
Safety recommendation Rail no 2023/05T
On 31 May 2022, a passenger train collided with a tractor with a trailer at the Hagamælen level crossing on the Dovre line. The level crossing was equipped with flashing red stop lights and audible warning, but no physical barrier. 30 level crossings on the Bane NOR SF's network are equipped with similar systems.
The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority recommends the Norwegian Railway Authority to request Bane NOR SF to assess whether it is possible to take measures that increase the attention of road users at level crossings equipped with flashing red stop light and audible warning.
Facts
| Location | Hagamælen level crossing (Støren) |
| Occurrence date | 31.05.2022 |
| Train No | 411 |
| Type of Transportation | Passenger train |
| Type of occurrence | Collision |
| Rolling Stock | Multippel Unit (MU) |
| Operator | SJ Norge AS |
| Section | Dovrebanen |