C34/​1997R Two track work­ers run over by re­verse trav­el­ling train in Helsinki, on Oc­to­ber 8, 1997

08.10.1997

On Wednesday, October 8, 1997, on Helsinki railway yard two workers repairing a switch fastening were run over by a train to be moved by a convoy unit from Helsinki to Ilmala coach depot. One track worker died in the accident and the other worker was severely injured.

As a result of the accident rail traffic was interrupted for 15 minutes. Four fast trains were delayed and four local trains were delayed by 5 to 20min. The financial loss generated by the accident was approximately FIM 400.000.

The accident was caused by the track foreman and the switch repair worker failing to see the train approaching with a coach in front.

In order to avoid similar accidents in the future, the Accident Investigation Board of Finland recommends that in view of convoy movements, an emergency brake and a device warning of an approaching train be installed in the rear end of the cars.

Recommendation S91