The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has released its report today into a runaway permanent way trolley incident at Notting Hill Gate on 24 May 2006.
The full report is available here:
A summary of the key points from the report is included below:
Summary
On Wednesday 24 May a manually propelled track trolley being used during engineering works on the Circle Line of London Underground ran away down a gradient of 1 in 70 and collided with another, stationary, trolley. A warning had been given and all staff were clear of the line. There were no injuries.
The immediate cause of the incident was that the trolley brakes failed to stop the trolley when they were applied. Causal factors were the failure to carry out prescribed checks of the trolley before use and a modification to the brake system that reduced its effectiveness. There were four factors contributing to the incident, and the underlying cause was identified as the widespread unauthorised modification of brakes allowed and encouraged by this design of trolley.
Recommendations
The RAIB has made nine recommendations aimed at:
- the design, acceptance and maintenance of track trolleys;
- the training of Track Trolley Operators (TTOs);
- the management of sites where track trolleys are used;
- the reporting of incidents on the London Underground network.
Notes to Editors
1. 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: 2 May 2007
