Report on collisions between a heavy goods vehicle and a passenger train on an unsecured level crossing at the Kongsvinger Line on 22 January 2025

The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority’s (NSIA) investigation shows that the HGV approached the level crossing at a low and steady speed and continued across without stopping for the approaching train. The train driver interpreted the low speed as an indication that the HGV would stop and had no opportunity to prevent the collision when it failed to do so.

The level crossing met Bane NOR's requirements regarding signage and sightlines towards approaching trains, including for this type of vehicle. From the level crossing, there was more than 600 meters of visibility in the direction of the train. No technical issues with the HGV, the train, or the level crossing were identified that could help explain the sequence of events. The train sounded its horn before reaching the level crossing, which is intended to alert road users to an approaching train. It has not been possible to determine where the HGV driver's attention was focused prior to the accident, but several possible contributing factors have been identified.

The HGV driver had not received the required minimum daily rest period before the accident, followed by a long working day, and was engaged in a telephone conversation. This may have affected alertness, judgement, and reaction capability. Even when visibility conditions comply with applicable requirements, crossing a level crossing – particularly in larger vehicles – requires active observation. At the same time, factors such as limitations in the HGV driver's field of vision caused by mirrors and possible misinterpretation of train lights may have influenced situational awareness.

The NSIA considers that the fundamental conditions for safely crossing the Pran level crossing were present. However, unsecured level crossings are inherently high-risk locations on the railway and require particular vigilance from road users when crossing.

Protecting or closing level crossings is challenging due to high costs and conflicting interests. The investigation shows that landowners and users of this type of level crossing have often held rights of access since the railway was established on their property. They wish both to avoid financial losses resulting from changes and to maintain safe access. At the same time, from a socioeconomic perspective, Bane NOR seeks to eliminate unsecured level crossings in order to achieve the highest possible level of safety. It is therefore important that Bane NOR and landowners work together to find effective solutions. Decisions regarding the level of protection are influenced by a combination of safety, economic, and practical considerations.

No safety recommendations are issued following this accident. However, several learning points have been identified for users of unsecured level crossings:

• Compliance with driving and rest time regulations is a fundamental prerequisite for safe driving. Insufficient rest, particularly when combined with long working hours, may adversely affect the driver’s alertness, judgement, and reaction time. This highlights the importance of organizing transport operations within the framework of applicable regulations. 
  
  
• Attention and distraction management are critical in traffic situations requiring continuous observation. Even brief distractions may impair attention. Activities such as mobile phone use – including hands-free operation – may occupy part of the driver’s cognitive capacity and thereby influence how information is perceived and assessed in a traffic environment. 
  
  
• Risk awareness at level crossings is essential. For all crossings, whether equipped with level crossing protection systems or not, road users must remain aware of the inherent risks and actively observe for approaching trains.

 
The line of sight in the direction of the train. Photo: NSIA

Published 02.07.2026