• Source: Classification of railway accidents

    • Classification of railway accidents, both in terms of cause and effect, is a valuable aid in studying rail (and other) accidents to help to prevent similar ones occurring in the future. Systematic investigation for over 150 years has led to the railways' excellent safety record (compared, for example, with road transport).
    Ludwig von Stockert (1913) proposed a classification of accidents by their effects (consequences); e.g.
    -on-collisions, rear-end collisions, derailments. Schneider and Mase (1968) proposed an additional classification by causes; e.g. driver's errors, signalmen's errors, mechanical faults. Similar categorisations had been made by implication in previous books e.g. Rolt (1956), but Stockert's and Schneider/Mase's are more systematic and complete. With minor changes, they represent best knowledge.


    Classification of rail accidents by effects


    Collisions
    Collisions with trains:
    Head-on collision
    Rear-end collision
    Slanting collision
    Collisions with buffer stops (overrunning end of track)
    Collisions with obstructions on the track (may also cause derailment)
    Collision with landslips (in cuttings)
    Derailments
    By location:
    Plain track
    Curves
    Junctions
    Other

    Fires, explosions and release of hazardous chemicals (including sabotage/terrorism)
    People falling from trains, collisions with people on tracks
    Attack, shooting or bombing on a train.


    Classification of rail accidents by causes




    = Drivers' errors

    =
    Passing signals at danger
    Excessive speed
    Mishandling of the engine (e.g. boiler explosions)
    Failure to check brakes and safety systems as well as sand reserve
    Failure to stop at required positions, e.g. level crossings with defective equipment or shunting movements that lead to occupied tracks.


    = Signalmen's errors

    =
    Allowing two trains into same occupied block section
    Incorrect operation of signals, points or token equipment


    = (Mechanical) failure of rolling stock

    =
    Poor design
    Poor maintenance
    Undetected damage
    Overloading or freight that is not adequately secured.
    Fire starting from combustion motors, electric cables or equipment, leaking fuel or cooling oil


    = Civil engineering failure

    =
    Track (permanent way) faults
    Bridge and tunnel collapses
    Poor track or junction layout


    = Acts of other people

    =
    Other railway personnel (shunters, porters, maintenance personnel, etc.)
    Non-railway personnel
    Accidental
    Accidental track obstruction e.g. with road vehicles or by working construction vehicles
    Deliberate (vandalism, terrorism, suicide, extortion, sabotage)
    Deliberate track obstruction, e.g. with road vehicles or (heavy) objects
    Intentional damage to infrastructure like tracks, points or signals
    Level crossing misuse
    Trespassing
    Attack
    Riot


    = Natural causes

    =
    Track obstruction or damage by landslides, avalanches, floods, trees
    Fog or snow that obscure signals or the current position of the train
    Wet leaves (or their remains) making the tracks slippery.


    = Contributory factors

    =
    Strength of rolling stock
    Fire hazards or dangerous goods in the train, in involved road vehicles or the vicinity
    Effectiveness of brakes
    Inadequate rules


    References


    Ludwig von Stockert (1913), Eisenbahnunfalle (Railway Accidents – a contribution to railway operating technology). Leipzig 1913.
    Schneider, Wolfgang; Armand Mase (1968). Katastrophen auf Schienen. In German, English translation 1979 by E.L. Dellow as Railway Accidents of Great Britain and Europe. Orell Fussli Verlag (German), David and Charles (English). SBN 7153 4791 8.
    Rolt, L.T.C. (1956). Red for Danger. Bodley Head / David and Charles / Pan Books. Later editions available.

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