The Rail Accident Investigation Branch have released their report into the collision between two trams on the upper section of the Great Orme Tramway on 15th September 2009, which resulted in this section of tramway being closed for the remainder of that season. The main findings of the report was that the immediate cause of the derailment was the points moving under the ascending tram and directing the rear of the tram into the path of the descending path.
The incident occurred on 15th September 2009 at approximately 1215 when two trams travelling in opposite directions collided at the passing loop on the upper section of the Great Orme Tramway with one person suffering minor injuries. The trams involved were 6 - travelling uphill – and 7 - travelling downhill.
As 6 travelled over the lower points of the loop, its front bogie was correctly directed to the right hand, northside track but is rear bogie was incorrectly directed to the left hand, southside track. 7 was descending on the left-hand track and although the braking systems of the winch and both trams were activated, the trams collided. The bodies of both trams were damaged but no damage was sustained by the infrastructure.
The main causes of the derailment and collision were identified in the report as:
* the immediate cause of the derailment was the points moving under the ascending tram and directing the rear of the this tram into the path of the descending tram
* the ability of the points to remain in the correct position had reduced due to wear and degradation of the points system
* there was no routine measurements of the condition of the points system because there were no procedures for such measurements or any associated remedial actions
* there was a lack of both comprehensive risk assessment of the points and competent safety audits.
Following the derailment Conwy County Borough Council undertook remedial work on the points on the upper loop between October 2009 and March 2010. This included correcting the track alignment and renewing deteriorated components.
Two recommendations were made by the RAIB:
* Conwy County Borough Council should conduct a competent technical evaluation of the points and crossings on the tramway to identify associated risks and control measures
* Conwy County Borough Council should ensure that comprehensive and competent audits are carried out to identify deficiencies associated with the operation and maintenance of the tramway.
* The full RAIB report can be read here.
Source: Rail Accident Investigation Branch