Between Friday 7 May 2004 and Thursday 30 September 2004, four incidents involving traction motor fires on Tranz Metro electric multiple unit passenger services occurred on the Wellington suburban passenger network. This report incorporates reports 04-114, 04-122 and 04-124. These incidents occurred on 4 different driving sets, and all resulted in smoke entering the passenger compartments.
There were no injuries to passengers or crew in any of the incidents.
Safety issues identified included:
- the use of incorrect crimp lugs in cable connections
- inadequate crimping of connections
- the ability to inspect connections
- poor maintenance procedures
- lack of awareness of critical points associated with quality crimp joints
- potential for connector bolts to work lose because of vibration
Because of the similarities arising from each incident, all 4 incidents have been combined into one report.
In view of the safety actions taken by Toll NZ Consolidated Ltd no safety recommendations have been made.
