Report on derailment near Svene on the Numedalsbanen line 15 April 2015
Railway report 2015/03
On Tuesday 15 April 2014, a shunting unit with rolling stock for train 8021 from TX Logistikk AB derailed north of Svene Pukkverk on the Numedalsbanen line.
The shunting unit consisted of 22 wagons and a locomotive, and it was carrying wood chippings destined for Sweden. Eight wagons derailed and extensive material damage was caused, both to the wagons and the infrastructure. Investigations by the Accident Investigation Board Norway (AIBN) have shown that the line was in significantly poorer condition than assumed by the Norwegian National Rail Administration (Jernbaneverket). The National Rail Administration also uncovered major weaknesses on the line, from the site of the derailment up to Flesberg, that had to be repaired before the tracks could again be opened for traffic.
The AIBN submits a safety recommendation aimed at improving the basis for decisions by the National Rail Administration when it permits increased traffic on sections of line that have not seen ordinary traffic for a long time.
Safety recommendation
Safety recommendation JB no 2015/03T
On Tuesday 15 April 2014, a shunting unit from TX Logistic AB derailed north of Svene Pukkverk on the Numedalsbanen line. Eight of the 22 wagons carrying wood chippings derailed and extensive material damage was caused, both to the rolling stock and the infrastructure. Until the transport of wood chippings started, the Numedalsbanen line had been given low priority by the National Rail Administration, although, as part of the national rail network, it was supposed to be safe for traffic. The line had significant weaknesses that were not uncovered prior to the increase in traffic. The heavy trains carrying wood chippings subjected the line to strong forces, and only six months elapsed before rolling stock derailed.
The Accident Investigation Board Norway recommends that the Norwegian Railway Authority (Statens jernbanetilsyn) take steps to ensure that decisions by the National Rail Administration (Jernbaneverket) to permit increased traffic on sections of line that have long been without ordinary traffic are based on the extent to which the section of line has been maintained prior to the increase in traffic, and all the requirements this entails as regards follow-up and monitoring of how the condition of the line develops.
Facts
| Location | North of Svene Pukkverk on the Numedalsbanen line |
| Occurrence date | 15.04.2014 |
| Train No | Skift |
| Type of Transportation | Freight train, Shunting |
| Type of occurrence | Derailment |
| Rolling Stock | Freight wagon, Locomotive |