RO-1995-109

On 2 May 1995 at about 2042 hours one wagon of an eastbound freight operated by New Zealand Rail Limited (NZRL) between Greymouth and Middleton, derailed near Omoto whilst ascending a grade at slow speed. The derailed wagon was the second last wagon on the train and derailed all wheels. As a result the coupling and air connections to the last wagon parted and it ran back down the grade for approximately 4 kilometres. The causal factor of the derailment was uneven loading and causal factors for the runaway wagon were substandard repairs to the wagon braking system and non-compliance with established procedures to identify such problems. The safety deficiencies addressed in this report are compliance with requirements for train examination and testing prior to departure from a terminal station, the standard of temporary repairs to braking gear, and the control of the loading of scrap metal.