Rail accident inquiry critical of management

An inquiry into a railway accident at a level crossing in Roscommon has criticised management at Iarnród Éireann for its handling of the incident.

A freight train crashed through a level crossing barrier at Kiltoom in February 2001, the fifth accident to occur at the location in almost six years. No one was injured in any of the accidents.

The accident occurred at around 5.15 a.m., in apparently poor weather conditions.

An independent report, published yesterday by the Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan, found that the driver of the train may been working excessive hours and criticised management for failing to attend the accident scene.

The 30-page inquiry report, carried out by a railway inspection officer, recommended that Iarnród Éireann review signalling at the crossing, update journey recording equipment and put in place formal procedures for the management of an accident site.

It also criticised management for making a remote assessment of the accident and allowing the train driver to continue on his journey. This meant that crucial information from a journey-recording device could not be obtained.

The report avoided laying direct blame for the accident on any individual and highlighted a conflict of evidence between the gatekeepers and the train driver over the position of the signal protecting the level crossing. It also found that the distance between the signal and the gate was inadequate for the normal 50 m.p.h speed limit allowed on the line.

Iarnród Éireann yesterday said it had responded quickly to the recommendations which had either been implemented, or were in the process of being implemented.

A spokeswoman confirmed that electric light signals had replaced the old semaphore signal at the level crossing, while other old signals had also been upgraded.

Iarnród Éireann also said a new handbook on handling emergencies had been published earlier this year, while new journey-recording technology was being fitted to older locomotives.

Mr Brennan, who received the report earlier this year, said one of his priorities was the enactment of legislation which provides for a range of extra safety measures.

The Railway Safety Bill, which replaces legislation dating as far back as 1871, provides for the establishment of an independent railway safety commission and random alcohol and drug testing of train drivers.

He also said a four-year railway safety programme, commenced in 1999, had resulted in the renewal of more than 380 miles of track, more than 100 bridges being upgraded and more than 470 level crossings being improved or closed for safety reasons.