RO-1997-114Train 801, tunnel door closed on train, Otira Tunnel, 12 November 1997
Rail
Published date
11 September 1998
Accident/Incident date
12 November 1997
Status
Published
Jurisdiction
New Zealand
Executive summary
On Wednesday 12 November 1997, at about 1140 hours, the door at the west portal of the Otira Tunnel closed on the side of Train 801, the westbound TranzAlpine. The impact caused minor damage and there were no injuries.
The door closed because of an unintended activation of the control system by Train 801. An optical sensor which could have prevented the closure was not functioning due to a loose electrical connection. Safety issues identified were a deficiency in the signalling design logic for the door control and the lack of a fail-safe optical sensor safety system.
Take steps to ensure that before introducing operational innovations such as the Otira Tunnel ventilation system that adequate structured risk assessments are carried out, and recorded, to achieve the intent of the company safety system.
