Investigation into collisions and runaways involving road-rail engineering machines
The RAIB is currently investigating the following accidents involving such plant:
- the derailment of an RRV and two trailers near Scarva (Northern Ireland) on 9 March 2008. Click here to view
- the collision between two RRVs at Glen Garry on 5 December 2007. Click here to view
- the runaway of RRVs between Brentwood and Romford on 4 November 2007, and at Snow Hill, Birmingham on 31 October 2007. Click here to view
The RAIB is concerned at the ongoing number of such accidents, and has decided to carry out a more general investigation, to review the systems and controls that are in place on Network Rail to prevent runaways and collisions with RRVs and their trailers, and to see whether these systems are sufficient to control the risks.
As part of its investigation the RAIB will study the collision between two RRVs at Drumfrochar, Greenock, in Renfrewshire, on 23 May 2008, when one RRV struck another stationary one following the completion of engineering work.
The RAIB’s investigation will establish the scale of the problem, review issues concerning the standards, design and approval around RRVs and their trailers, and give particular attention to issues of braking and the requirements of the rule book for the operation of these machines.
The RAIB's investigation is proceeding independently of any parallel investigations by the safety authority, but the RAIB will share technical evidence as appropriate.
The RAIB will publish a report, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of its investigation. This report will be available on the RAIB website.
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