Executive summary
On Saturday 28 March 1998 at 1707 hours Train 201, the southbound Auckland to Wellington Overlander passenger express, struck a displaced load on Train 242, a Wellington to Palmerston North express freight train which was berthed in the Longburn loop. There were no injuries. Train 201 suffered superficial damage to the locomotive and carriages. Safety deficiencies identified were:
· the lack of appreciation of correct load securing requirements
· insufficient training of staff involved in loading
· the lack of adequate standards and procedures to prevent the use of unsuitable restraining devices.
Three safety recommendations were made to address these deficiencies.
The Commission investigated this incident because of the potential for loads which have moved in transit to endanger other trains and third parties adjacent to the track.
Related Recommendations
Ensures standards and inspection procedures are in place to prevent the use of strops and other restraining devices which are below desirable standards.
Improves the training of freight handling staff to a standard which will ensure the safe handling of wagons.