Freight train 688 and rail mounted excavator, collision, between Waipunga and Waikoau, 9 May 2000
Status
Closed
Occurrence Date
Report Publication Date
Jurisdiction
NZ
Legacy Inquiry Number
00-107
On Tuesday, 9 May 2000, at about 1430, a collision occurred between a rail-mounted excavator, operating as a hi-rail vehicle, and Train 688 at 216.5 km between Waipunga and Waikoau on the Palmerston North - Gisborne Line. The excavator was operating outside its authorised work area and beyond the agreed "check call" time with the train controller when the collision occurred.
There were no injuries.
Safety issues identified included the accepted use of check calls between train controllers and track users instead of the required off track and clear times when authorising time on track, and the appropriateness of the training and experience of contract staff operating hi-rail vehicles.
Two safety recommendations were made to the operator.
There were no injuries.
Safety issues identified included the accepted use of check calls between train controllers and track users instead of the required off track and clear times when authorising time on track, and the appropriateness of the training and experience of contract staff operating hi-rail vehicles.
Two safety recommendations were made to the operator.
Location
between Waipunga & Waikoau (-39.246501,176.805521) [may be approximate]