The Accident Investigation Board Norway published a preliminary report about the derailment of a test train last Wednesday. It determined that the train was travelling at a speed of 135 km/h at the time the brakes were applied.

The Accident Investigation Board Norway (AIBN) has been investigating the cause of the derailment of the Stadler FLIRT Number 5 (74005) south of Oslo. At the time of the accident, the train, which was commissioned by the Norwegian State Railways (NSB), was on a scheduled test run.

According to the AIBN, investigations at the accident site and readings from the train’s TELOC data recorder and the camera system show that the accident occurred in an area where the track has relatively sharp curves and the speed limit is restricted to 70 km/h. The train was travelling at a speed of 135 km/h when the brakes were applied, and it came to a complete stop after approximately 340 metres. The train derailed about 50 to 60 metres after the speed limit changes from 130 km/h to 70 km/h. However, 1,200 metres before the change in the speed limit takes effect, a sign warns of the need to slow down. The reasons for the train’s high speed are still unclear at the current time. The AIBN is continuing its investigations.

At the time of the accident, five persons were on board of the train, including three Norwegian NSB employees, a Polish Stadler employee and a Finnish employee of a subsupplier. To Stadler Rail’s great relief, all five persons have meanwhile been discharged from hospital. It wishes to thank all of the parties involved, especially the Norwegian authorities, NSB and the AIBN for their quick and professional assistance. Stadler Rail hopes that the further investigations will soon establish clarity as to the ultimate cause of the accident.

In September 2008, Stadler signed an agreement with NSB for the supply of 50 FLIRTs, of which 10 vehicles have been delivered and are undergoing testing. They have so far travelled 140,000 kilometres.