Executive summary
On Saturday, 22 March 1997, at approximately 1848 hours Train 3656, a northbound suburban electric multiple unit service, collided with a car on Sutherland Avenue level crossing, Trentham. The three occupants of the car suffered minor injuries. The level crossing protection was not activated until the train was almost on the crossing.
The cause of the incident was the failure of Train 3656 to stop at a signal displaying a red aspect.
Safety issues identified were the locomotive engineer's failure to observe and act on the signal indications, the pattern of signal indications for up trains stopping at Heretaunga, and the risk of collision with road vehicles arising from signals sited close to protected level crossing being passed at danger.
Related Recommendations
Review the design and operation of the signalling and integrated level crossing protection at Trentham for up trains, with a view to reducing the possibility of a stopping train with correct route setting and signal clearance receiving an initial red indication on Signal 29 after departing from Heretaunga.