R2021-E1 Level crossing accident and derailment of a locomotive at Kontiomäki 4.6.2021

The preliminary investigation into the level crossing accident between a shunting unit and a heavy vehicle combination in Kontiomäki on 4 June 2021, in which a locomotive was derailed, has been completed. The accident occurred when a shunting unit consisting of two diesel locomotives and 25 loaded timber wagons collided at a speed of 31 km/h with an empty timber lorry that was passing through the level crossing. The accident did not result in personal injuries.

In the preliminary investigation, it was discovered that the collision occurred when the driver of the vehicle combination did not notice the shunting unit that was approaching from the right. The driver did not stop before the level crossing in order to make careful observation possible. Making observations was hindered the dirty windows of the vehicle combined with the glare of the sun, which may also have directed the observations in the wrong direction. The accident occurred in a quite familiar environment. The driver of the vehicle combination had been familiar with the level crossing for a very long time. The sparse traffic of the track section and the familiarity with the level crossing may have created a false idea of the hazards of the level crossing and impaired observation.

The front bogie of the locomotive was derailed immediately at the site of the collision, because the front end of the locomotive became lighter as its buffers pressed into a beam in the frame of the vehicle combination’s trailer while the vehicle combination pulled the locomotive to the side at the same time.

Based on the preliminary investigation, Safety Investigation Authority Finland has decided that there is no need for a full investigation.