C2/2008R Derailment of a wagon carrying phosphoric acid in Ykspihlaja, Kokkola, Finland, on 1 March 2008

On Saturday 1 March 2008 at 6.12 a.m., a shunting work incident occurred on an industrial track in Ykspihlaja, Kokkola. A group of wagons carrying phosphoric acid drove into a derailer. The bogie of the leading wagon was derailed.

The incident occurred because the shunting unit did not stop in sufficient time before the derailer. This was due to an error of judgement made by the shunting foreman and a lack of communication between the shunting foreman and engine driver. Furthermore, snow and ice had accumulated on the brakes of the wagons, thereby weakening the power of the breaks.

In order to prevent the occurrence of similar incidents, the Accident Investigation Board of Finland recommends that engine drivers be clearly informed of any blocks (e.g. derailers) along the track during shunting operations. In addition, the Board emphasises that unnecessary risks should be avoided when approaching derailers or other blocks.

C2/2008R Report (pdf, 0.85 Mt)

•Recommendation S250