Express freight Train 337, derailment, Kaimai Tunnel west portal, 9 August 2003
Status
Closed
Occurrence Date
Report Publication Date
Jurisdiction
NZ
Legacy Inquiry Number
03-110
On Saturday 9 August 2003, at about 0135, eastbound express freight Train 337 derailed about 7 m before the west portal of Kaimai Tunnel, between Hemopo and Whatakao. Five empty wagons and one loaded wagon derailed at a failed rail joint.
There were no injuries.
Safety issues identified included:
• the suitability of the standards for rail end mismatch and deformity at joints
• the security of a fishplated joint fastened with less than the full number of bolts
• the length of time the temporary joint remained in track
• the train exceeding the temporary speed limit
• the inspection of the train following the application of the emergency brakes.
Two safety recommendations were made to address these issues.
There were no injuries.
Safety issues identified included:
• the suitability of the standards for rail end mismatch and deformity at joints
• the security of a fishplated joint fastened with less than the full number of bolts
• the length of time the temporary joint remained in track
• the train exceeding the temporary speed limit
• the inspection of the train following the application of the emergency brakes.
Two safety recommendations were made to address these issues.
Location
near Kaimai Tunnel (-37.699204,175.846025) [may be approximate]