06.04.2023
Dutch train derailment
Several of you have asked about reports in the press, that the Dutch train accident on Tuesday was caused by a collision with a crane.
The local feedback we have received so far indicates that it was
Not a crane, but rather a road rail 360 degree excavator, that are sometimes also used to lift light loads. An aerial photograph we have received appears to bear out that feedback.
Please register to see all images
The ‘crane’ – can be seen in the foreground
The only person to lose their life in the incident was sadly an employee of BAM -the contractor that does much of the Dutch rail maintenance work – it is possible that he was operating the machine at the time. Some reports have stated that he was not on the tracks at the time, but rather working alongside them.
Please register to see all images
We will if course update this if and when we learn more.
Eric_L
@Herrman976, the train will only know what has been signaled. The train can't detect any other equipment like that. Sounds like human error.
@orrabeel, nope, trains aren't clamped to the rails. it will generally push heavy objects, but if it rides over something it could derail.
orrabeel
Would have thought the train would just push excavator out of the way and not derailed. Do they not install some kind of clamp on rail to pevent this ?
Herrman976
What I find incredible is how a train could cross at normal speed an area undergoing maintenance.