The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has released its report today into the tram door incident at Wellesley Road tram stop.
The full report is available here:
A summary of the key points from the report is included below -
Summary
On Friday 15 June 2007 at about 3.50pm, a man attempted to board an eastbound tram at the Wellesley Road stop on the Croydon Tramlink. His hand or clothing appeared to have been trapped in tram doors, and when it moved off he had to run alongside it for about 15 metres before he could move away.
The tram stopped before it was clear of the platform. The man received no apparent injury and left the scene; he has not been traced.
The cause of the accident was that neither the tram driver nor the instructor reacted to the presence of the man with his hand or clothing apparently stuck between the tram doors as it moved off.
The perception of a split of responsibility between the driver and the instructor may have contributed to the lack of a final check on the platform before the tram moved off.
Recommendations
The RAIB has not made any recommendations in relation to this incident, but the tram operator, Tram Operations Ltd, has briefed staff on the correct procedure for moving away from tram stops.
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: 21 November 2007
