Stagecoach Supertram services to Meadowhall and on the Tram-Train service to Rotherham Parkgate have been suspended after a second major collision between a Tram-Train and road vehicle – this comes just five weeks after the first. The collision happened at approximately 1630 on Friday 30th November and involved a car and 399 202 at Woodbourn Road.
Three people are reported as injured in the collision but at the time of writing it is unclear whether they were in the car or on board the tram. Photos of the incident on social media have shown that the car has suffered significant damage with 399 202 also being damaged. The circumstances behind the collision are not yet known.
After the previous incident at the same location the RAIB conducted an initial investigation but decided against a full investigation as they didn’t feel there could be any lessons learnt for them to advise on. Whether their position changes at this point remains to be seen. This crossing is signal controlled for both trams and road vehicles.
It is just pure coincidence that once again one of the Tram-Trains has been involved in this collision as it is on a section of line which is also served by Yellow route trams between the city centre and Meadowhall. Hopefully 399 202 will not have suffered too much damage and will be able to return to service soon otherwise the seven strong fleet of Citylink trams will be down to five and presumably another of those with standard wheel profiles will have to be pressed into the Tram-Train fleet which would leave the rest of the network with just one available.
More on this story if there are any significant updates will follow.