Executive summary
On 6 December 1993 an express freight train operated by New Zealand Rail Limited derailed when it entered a crossover at the south end of Te Kauwhata while travelling too fast. The locomotive and all twelve wagons in the train were derailed, with substantial damage to all vehicles and the track. The Locomotive Engineer had encountered a signal he did not expect, interpreted it wrongly, and failed to slow the train for passage through the crossover. The safety issues identified in this report are the use of radio communication to advise Locomotive Engineers of infrequent or unusual train movements and the maintenance of locomotive event recorders.
Related Recommendations
Investigate the practicability of introducing an intermediate speed aspect for the signals 12L and 6L at Te Kauwhata and other similar locations.
Set guidelines for Train Control Officers to advise Locomotive Engineers by radio of unusual movements or circumstances which may be significantly different from the expectancy of the Locomotive Engineer.
Introduce inspection and maintenance procedures to ensure that the event recorders where installed on locomotives are operative while travelling on main lines.