Executive summary
On Friday 27 June 2003, Tranz Metro Train 3347 was an Auckland to Papakura diesel multiple unit passenger train. At about 0915, a driveshaft on passenger car ADL 810 failed as the train approached Purewa Tunnel, between Meadowbank and Glen Innes stations. The DMU driver stopped the train about 200 m short of the tunnel.
The free end of the failed driveshaft was not sufficiently restrained and it punctured the floor of the passenger compartment.
The 3 passengers travelling in ADL 810 were not injured.
The safety issues identified included:
ò recording and tracking of the maintenance and service history of individual DMU driveshafts
ò installation and maintenance standards for driveshafts
ò inspection procedures and criteria for acceptance or rejection of individual driveshafts
ò design of the safety stirrup to contain the driveshaft in the event of a failure.
Four safety recommendations were made to the Chief Executive of Toll NZ Consolidated Limited to address these issues.
Related Recommendations
Individually identify all driveshafts on the DMU fleet so that their maintenance and service history can be recorded and tracked.
Establish an inspection procedure and criteria for acceptance or rejection of individual DMU driveshafts in service with the assistance of the universal joint manufacturer.
Revise the design of the safety stirrup to better constrain the driveshaft and reduce the risk of injury in the event of a driveshaft failure.
Establish installation and maintenance standards for driveshafts and instruct all relevant maintenance staff in their use.