The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has dropped its official investigation into a Metrolink tram derailment at Manchester Piccadilly railway station. The incident, which occurred in April, resulted in no injuries and only minor damage to the tram and infrastructure, according to RAIB.
No significant safety lessons
RAIB announced that its probe has been discontinued, as the Chief Inspector of Rail Accidents determined there are no significant safety lessons to learn from continuing the investigation. Instead, KeolisAmey Metrolink, the operator of Greater Manchester's tram network, is taking action to understand and address the factors that led to the derailment.
RAIB stated that a vehicle dynamics study by a university has been commissioned to understand the derailment mechanism and identify contributing factors.
Details of the incident
The tram, travelling from Ashton to Bury, derailed while approaching the Piccadilly tram stop on April 5 at around 1:39pm. The double-carriage tram came off the tracks at approximately 8 mph, with wheels on one axle leaving the track. The driver was initially unaware and continued the journey. Passengers were able to disembark safely with no injuries reported.
RAIB noted that the safety learning from this derailment likely relates to low-speed operation of trams on tight curves in high wheel-rail adhesion conditions and will probably be localised to the Manchester Metrolink tramway network. The tramway’s 10 mph speed limit for the approach to Piccadilly tram stop meant the consequences were low and unlikely to be significantly worse in similar circumstances.
Industry review instead
Where RAIB determines only localised safety learning from a low-consequence event and the tramway company is likely to conduct a thorough internal investigation, RAIB can use its legal powers to undertake an industry review of that organisation’s internal investigation report. Consequently, RAIB has decided to discontinue its own investigation and instead undertake an industry review. Following this review, RAIB can decide to reopen its investigation if necessary.
