Report on derailment at Åneby station on 16 October 2023

Railway report 2024/04

Monday 16 October 2023 at 2057, Vy Gjøvikbanen AS' train 251 derailed on the approach to Åneby station. There were no personel injuries, but both the EMU and track infrastrucutre were damaged. The railroad switch where the derailment occurred had been replaced during works between 7 and 9 October, but the works were not completed. The track had been fitted with temporary joint bars pending welding and neutralisation, and regular traffic had resumed. The derailment occurred when the joint bar gave way, and the rails slid apart, causing the train to derail.

The investigation has found that the temporary rail joints where the derailment occurred was incorrectly installed and that the temporary rail joints were not followed up and inspected physically, as required by technical regulations.

The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA) has uncovered inadequate follow-up of temporary rail joints, weak systems and unclear responsibilities regarding temporary rail joints. The NSIA believes this must be linked to Bane NOR SF’s consideration of the risk faults in temporary joint bars represent. The NSIA therefore submits a safety recommendation on this point.

Avsporet tog på Aaneby.jpg
Derailed train at Åneby station. Photo: NSIA

Published 16.10.2024

Safety recommendation

Safety recommendation Rail no 2024/05T

On 16 October 2023 at 20:57, Vy Gjøvikbanen AS’s train 251 derailed at Åneby station on the Gjøvik Line. Prior to the derailment, a switch had been replaced, but the works were not completed. Temporary rail joints had been fitted on the tracks, and regular traffic had resumed. The accident occurred when two of the temporary rail joints, which were holding the tracks together, gave way. Incorrect installation and inadequate follow-up of the temporary rail joints contributed to the derailment.

The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority recommends the Norwegian Railway Authority to ask Bane NOR SF to establish processes that clarify responsibilities, and ensure control and follow-up of temporary rail joints on operational railways.

Facts

Location Åneby station
Occurrence date 16.10.2023
Type of Transportation Passenger train
Type of occurrence Derailment
Rolling Stock Multippel Unit (MU)
Operator Vy Gjøvikbanen AS

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