The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has released its report today into a fire on a HGV shuttle in the Channel Tunnel on 21 August 2006.
The full report is available here:
A summary of the key points from the report is included below.
Summary
On Monday 21 August 2006 a fire broke out in the load compartment of a lorry on an HGV shuttle train from the UK to France. The train was brought to a controlled stop 20.5km from the UK portal and all 34 people on board were evacuated without injury. The carrier wagon was structurally damaged, and there was some damage to the overhead line and the tunnel lining. Normal operation of services through the tunnel resumed the next afternoon.
The immediate cause of the accident was a fire in the load compartment of a lorry on the penultimate wagon of the HGV shuttle. A contributory factor was the difficulty in detecting a smouldering fire within the lorry's load compartment. The report also identified several factors relating to the effectiveness of detection and surveillance in the terminal, and the effectiveness of the incident management.
Recommendations
Overall, the incident was well-man by staff on the train, by the controllers, and by the emergency services. However, the RAIB has made sixteen detailed recommendations as a result of this incident. These are aimed at:
- the loading and despatch processes for HGV shuttles;
- briefing and training of staff involved in implementing emergency procedures;
- possible enhancements to train, tunnel and control room equipment and services to facilitate incident handling;
- communications from the site to the Integrated Control Centre; and
- arrangements for debriefing between all parties after an incident.
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: 23 October 2007
