Dazzling sun was a factor in a serious road-rail vehicle collision last year in Essex, but it could have been prevented said investigators.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has made a series of safety recommendations to Network Rail, SPL Powerlines UK, and Readypower Rail Services, as part of its report into the incident on 2 May 2021.
The two vehicles involved in the crash had been used to replace overhead electrification equipment. Following the night shift the road-rail vehicles were travelling in the same direction, on the same line, towards Wickford from a work location near Ramsden Bellhouse.
The lead vehicle was a mobile elevated working platform (MEWP) followed by a long reach mobile crane.
The MEWP was stationary at the time of the crash and was hit from behind at 7.5mph (12kmh) by the road-rail crane. The MEWP operator suffered life-changing injuries.
Dazzled by rising sun
Investigators found that 10 seconds before the collision the MEWP operator had stopped to store a tool that was loose in the personnel basket of his machine. At the same time the operator of the crane became dazzled by the rising sun ahead and turned to look out of the side window to relieve his eyes. However, he did not apply the brakes, leading to the crash at around 7am.
Network Rail requires operators to maintain minimum separation distances of 100m when travelling in convoy. But in this instance the gap left was only 30m, which reduced the time the crane operator had to react.
RAIB highlighted a similar incident in Wellingborough on 15 August 2019, where the investigation discovered separation distances were routinely ignored. It said this lesson had not been properly learnt.
Fatigue factor
Investigators highlighted that fatigue may also have contributed as the crane operator had not rested in the hotel provided before the nightshift, or declared his actual travel time. They also pointed to a lack of clarity in the role of machine controllers during travelling movements, which may have contributed to a lack of warning.
Chief Inspector of Rail Accidents Andrew Hall said: “Sadly, this readily-avoided accident led to a member of railway staff sustaining life changing injuries.
“Bright sunlight can temporarily dazzle or obscure vision. It is important that those driving vehicles by line of sight, slow sufficiently or stop if visibility becomes poor. Even momentary dazzling can lead to an unsafe situation rapidly developing.”
Hall added: “What is particularly frustrating about this accident, is that lessons from a previous accident involving the same contractor had not been learned.
“Both accidents shared similar factors including a lack of adequate separation between vehicles, a loss of attention and avoiding action not being taken. Not applying these lessons to improve planning of work or the site assurance processes was an opportunity missed to avoid a collision with severe consequences.”
Key learnings
RAIB made two recommendations for Network Rail, and identified four learning points for SPL Powerlines UK and Readypower Rail Services, respectively.
- Clarify the role of a machine controller when they are travelling with their vehicle.
- Network Rail to continue development of obstacle detection for road-rail vehicles.
- The need for operators to bring vehicles to a stand when forward vision is lost.
- The importance of judging and observing safe distance between moving vehicles.
- Staff must be fit and appropriately prepared when reporting for duty.
- The importance that staff comply with road-rail vehicle operating instructions.
