Yet another level crossing accident: Passive level crossings are a significant safety risk

Safety In­ves­ti­ga­tion Au­thor­ity Fin­land has com­pleted the in­ves­ti­ga­tion of the ac­ci­dent that oc­curred at a pas­sive level cross­ing in Mänttä-Vilp­pula on 14 May 2020. In the ac­ci­dent, a trac­tor tow­ing a ma­nure spreader col­lided with the side of a rail bus at the Kul­mala level cross­ing, which is not equipped with a warn­ing de­vice.

Due to poor visibility on the approach to the level crossing, the train driver could not see the tractor in time to influence the course of events. The tractor driver’s fatigue, familiarity with the route, blind spots and reflections in the tractor’s cabin, and the tractor’s features all contributed to the driver not noticing the train or stopping before the level crossing. The tractor collided with the left side of the rail bus, which was travelling at a speed of 100 km/h. The collision ruptured the rail bus’s fuel tank, causing the rail bus to catch fire.

The tractor driver sustained minor injuries in the collision, but no one else was injured. Both rail bus and tractor were badly damaged in the collision – the tractor beyond repair. The accident also caused environmental damage.

“We have drawn attention to the safety of passive level crossings on several occasions. This accident was yet another demonstration of the dangers inherent to such crossings. The familiarity of the level crossing to the tractor driver and the high speed of the train, in combination with other factors, led to a situation where it was impossible to avoid the accident anymore. Fortunately no one was seriously injured this time”, says Professor Veli-Pekka Nurmi, Executive Director of the Safety Investigation Authority.

“The engine driver played a key role: as he was not injured or unconscious, he was able to act according to safety instructions. In addition, there were few passengers, so the train was successfully evacuated. Had the emergency call been made with the 112 Suomi application – which was not the case this time – the location could have been determined instantly and help could have been dispatched without delay. Using the 112 Suomi application helps the Emergency Response Centre send assistance to the right place”, says Investigator-in-Charge Esko Värttiö.

As a result of the investigation, the Safety Investigation Authority also concluded that the instructions and devices supporting the independent evacuation of passengers are inadequate. The Safety Investigation Authority also drew attention to the placement and shielding of critical equipment on diesel trains, in which the risk of side collisions has not been appropriately addressed. Since rolling stock regulations are international, this recommendation has been addressed to the European Union Agency for Railways. The remaining three recommendations are addressed to the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom), with the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency and railway operator being responsible for their implementation.

Further information:

Esko Värttiö, Investigator-in-Charge, tel. +358 2951 50708

Veli-Pekka Nurmi, Director, Professor tel. +358 2951 50701