The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) have confirmed that they are now undertaking a full investigation into the derailment of Nottingham Express Transit 232 at Bulwell on 12th June 2023. This incident saw the tram service disrupted for over a week due to the severity of the damage caused and with the start of the investigation further details have now emerged of what happened.
The tram derailed at about 1706 on Monday 12th June when 232 was travelling southbound at approximately 19mph (30kmh). It came off the tracks at a set of facing points on the approach to Bulwell tramstop and this resulted in the tram striking an overhead line support pole. As already known this caused significant damage to the tram and to the infrastructure of the tramway.
There were around 30 passengers on board the tram at the time and two people (including the driver) suffered minor injuries.
In the investigation the RAIB will be seeking to identify the sequence of events which led to the accident. It will also be considering:
- The actions of those involved and anything that may have influenced them
- The management of drivers working on NET, including their training and competence
- The status, maintenance and performance of the points and signalling equipment
- Any underlying management factors