RO-2001-106

On Sunday 6 May 2001, at about 0838, a collision occurred between express passenger Train 600, Bay Express, and an excavator and front end loader working on the up main line at Muri, 31.4 km North Island Main Trunk. The maintenance plant was operating under Conditional Stop Protection when the collision occurred. Train 600 had been given authority to pass through the protected site at a time when one of the four work groups operating within an 11.9 km protected length understood they were clear to work.

There were no injuries.

Safety issues identified included the suitability of the procedures in place to control the safety of multiple work groups working over an extended protected length.

Three safety recommendations were made to the operator.