NSW; Matters to be examined by derailment investigators

00-00-0000
NSW; Matters to be examined by derailment investigators

Matters likely to be examined in the investigation into the Waterfall train derailmenton January 31, 2003 include:

* Stage one of the investigation:

SPEED:

- Railway personnel will estimate how fast the train was going at the time of impactby identifying its speed as it passed two previous signals.

TRACK:

- The state of the track will be examined, taking into account curvature, gauge and rail profile.

- Markings on the rails, ballast and sleepers will be studied. They indicate the passageof the train after it derailed.

ROLLING STOCK:

- All rolling stock, which includes the carriages and engines, will be analysed andassessed for any faults.

- Information logged by the train's fault recorder will also be taken into account.

SIGNALLING:

- The signalling system will be tested to determine its functionality at the time ofthe accident.

- Signals issued will be analysed.

OPERATIONS:

- Records maintained regarding the running of the train will be examined.

- Radio communications between rail personnel, including signallers, drivers and traincontrollers will be downloaded for examination.

WITNESSES:

- People involved in the accident will be interviewed and the information gathered and assessed.

* Stage two of the investigation:

ACCIDENT DYNAMICS:

- The development of different models that enable the simulation of the accident usingfactual information gathered.

DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE:

- Determining whether the condition of the various elements of the railway at the timeof the accident conformed to the appropriate standards.

* Stage three of the investigation will involve quantitative analysis to determinethe main factors contributing to the incident and what action is required to prevent similarincidents in the future.

(All information supplied by Rail Safety Regulator Kent Donaldson and NSW Transport.)

AAP hn/cjh/

KEYWORD: DERAIL INQUIRY FACTBOX