R2024-01 Level-crossing accident at the Kurkimäki timber loading yard on 6 February 2024

09.02.2024

The Safety Investigation Authority, Finland has decided, under section 2, subsection 3 of the Safety Investigation Act (525/2011), to open an investigation into a level-crossing accident that occurred at the Kurkimäki timber loading yard on 6 February 2024 and resulted in the death of a shunting supervisor.

The shunting supervisor, who was directing the movements of timber wagons, died when the wagons collided with an articulated lorry at a level crossing located in the loading yard. The investigation will focus on operations and shunting procedures at timber loading yards.

 The investigation team will be led by Jussi Kangasmaa (MSc in Engineering (Tech)), and its other members will be Chief Fire and Environment Officer (retired) Jari Alanen, Martti Peräaho (MSc in Psychology), Chief Inspector (retired) Harri Pöysti and Safety Investigator Mikko Tikkanen. Chief Rail Safety Investigator Lasse Laatta will be the Investigator-in-Charge.