Executive summary
On Sunday 25 January 2004, at about 1130, a consist of 3 motor trolleys coupled together was on a scenic ride on the Waitara Branch, when the trailing motor trolley, with a driver and 4 passengers on board, became detached from the consist and derailed. The driver and passengers were catapulted from the motor trolley when it came to an abrupt halt and slewed through 90 degrees.
The driver and 3 of the passengers received moderate to serious injuries.
The safety issues identified were:
· The coupling of motor trolleys together during revenue earning trips
· The conveyance of passengers on motor trolleys without adequate constraints
· The unlicensed operating of motor trolleys for fare paying passengers
One safety recommendation addressing these issues was made to the operator.
Related Recommendations
Review those heritage railways using motor trolleys to convey passengers to ensure that the trolleys are equipped with a suitable restraint to minimise the risk of passengers falling from the trolley.
Install a suitable restraint to minimise the risk of passengers falling from the trolley, before reinstating the carriage of passengers on motor trolleys.