SAFETY ADVICE NRA21-16 – TROLLEY STRIKE at CHALLOW
OVERVIEW
At 06:10 on 21st October, a GWR Intercity Express train service struck a half link trolley on the Down Main at Challow (83m MLN) between Didcot and Swindon at around 100mph. No injuries were reported.
The train was damaged with the trolley wedged underneath, stranding 135 passengers. It could have been derailed.
The Down Main only reopened at line speed 3.5 hours after the incident causing significant delays and disruption to our passengers.
The trolley had been left on the access point following rail defect weld repairs, and was the only one in use by the team that night.
The Controller of Site Safety (COSS) signed out with the Engineering Supervisor (ES) by telephone.
The worksite was then handed back to the PICOP as being ‘safe for the passage of trains’.
This is the second occasion in recent weeks that a trolley has been left behind after work and missed by ‘clear line verification’ arrangements.
IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED
The investigation is ongoing with learning to be shared later. In the meantime please remember:
- The COSS must request permission to place trolleys on the line from the ES and advise when they are removed.
- The PIC/COSS must tell the ES when their site of work is complete and safe for the passage of trains.
- The ES must check and confirm to the Person in Charge of the Possession (PICOP) that all of their worksite is safe for the passage of trains.
In axle counter areas:
- Process NR/L3/OPS/084 ‘Line Clear Arrangements following Engineering Works in Axle Counter Area – Line Clear Verification Process’ must be followed.
- The ES and COSS must independently record when anything with two or more wheels (such as On Track Plant, trolleys or skates) is put on the line and when it is removed, and confirm this as part of handback.
- The relevant forms must be cross referenced when signing out from the worksite.
- The PICOP must verify with the ES that the relevant forms have been completed and the line is clear.
