The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has released its report today into the derailment of a tram at Blackpool Pleasure Beach on 06 July 2006.
The full report is available here:
A summary of the key points from the report is included below
Summary
On Thursday 06 July a tram was traversing hand points at Blackpool Pleasure Beach at less than 4mph when it became derailed. There were no injuries and only minor marking to the switch tips and the surrounding concrete as a consequence of the incident.
The immediate cause of the derailment was the trailing wheelsets travelling onto the wrong line, after the leading wheelset had correctly travelled onto the normal route.
A causal factor was that the hand points mechanism had not been correctly returned to the normal position before the passage of the tram, and there were three contributory factors.
Recommendations
The RAIB has made two recommendations to Blackpool Transport Services as a result of its investigation, covering procedures and training for the operation of handpoints.
Notes to Editors
1. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch started operation on 17 October 2005. The sole purpose of RAIB investigations is to prevent future accidents and incidents and improve railway safety. The RAIB does not establish blame, liability or carry out prosecutions.
2. For media enquiries please call 020 7944 6984.
Newsdate: 26 October 2006
