R2021-03 Level crossing accident in Kaskinen, 5 October 2021

06.09.2021

Safety Investigation Authority Finland has decided to initiate an investigation under section 2 of the Safety Investigation Act (525/2011) into the accident that occurred at the Pyhän Eskilinkatu level crossing on 5 October 2021.

In the accident, a work train collided with a bus transporting schoolchildren at the level crossing, which is not equipped with a warning device. The bus was carrying seven passengers, two of whom were seriously injured. The remaining passengers and driver sustained light injuries. The four people on the work train and carriage being pulled by it were not injured. The bus was damaged beyond repair in the collision. The work train was derailed and damaged as a result of the collision. The track also sustained damage over a distance of approximately 30 metres.

Heavy transport expert Jussi Kangasmaa has been appointed head of the investigation team, with first-aid expert Janne Alanen, rescue services expert Knut Lehtinen, organisation specialist Riku Oksman and Safety Investigator Mikko Tikkanen as its members. Chief Rail Safety Investigator Esko Värttiö will be the Investigator-in-Charge until 31 October 2021, with Chief Safety Investigator Lasse Laatta taking the position from 1 November 2021.