The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) have released their report into the derailment of a tram on Manchester Metrolink at Pomona station back on 17th January 2007. The report states that the evacuation of the tram was difficult and that factors contributing to the derailment were deficiencies in track inspection and maintenance, the design of the track and the contractual framework surrounding audits and repairs of the infrastructure.
At 1714 on 17th January 2007 tram 1005 derailed as it approached Pomona station on a service from Eccles heading for Piccadilly. Over 120 passengers were on board the tram and none of these were injured and they were evacuated onto the viaduct walkway and then onto the platform. The report mentions that because of the position of the emergency equipment and the method of door control made this evacuation difficult. The tram service was suspended until 19th January whilst the investigation and rescue of the tram took place.
The RAIB report states that the following were causes of the derailment:
* The derailment was caused by wide track gauge in the curve and a low resistance to gauge spread – IMMEDIATE CAUSE
* Serco Metrolink did not follow their procedures for inspecting the track at Pomona
* Serco Metrolink did not follow their procedures for maintaining the track at Pomona
* The contractual arrangement under which Serco operated and maintained the system for GMPTE may not have provided a robust framework for repairs to be carried out under
* The lack of effective audit of the permanent way department allowed the lack of inspection and maintenance to go unnoticed
* The lack of checks by GMPTE that Serco Metrolink were conducting external audits also allowed the lack of lack of inspection and maintenance to go unnoticed
Since the incident Serco Metrolink have been replaced by Stagecoach Metrolink as the operator and maintainer of the system – not as a result of this incident – and many of the issues have been resolved by a different contract.
Recommendations are also given in the report:
* GMPTE should put in place procedures to enable them to review the audits carried put by their operating contractor, to satisfy themselves that their contractors internal audit regime and safety management systems are being complied with
* GMPTE should review, and if necessary amend, their contractual arrangements for the Metrolink operation to ensure that essential repairs cannot be deferred for contractual reasons.
* Stagecoach Metrolink should review, and if necessary amend, their safety Management system so as to require formal approval by a professional head of any derogation to a safety critical standard
* If you want to read the complete RAIB report you can do on their website. The direct link can be found just by clicking just here.
Source: RAIB