Misaligned track derails miniature train

Incident overview

Miniature train derailed going at approximately 5km/h. Passengers were asked to disembark train, maintenance was alerted to situation and location of derail. The derail caused the train to be shut‐down until appropriate repairs could be made. Upon inspection, it was noted the track gauge had come out of required elevation.

Regulated industry sector

Amusement Devices

Location

Aldergrove

Investigation conclusions

Site, system and components

Miniature trains run on train tracks. It is essential to the proper operation of the train that the distance between the train track rails (gauge) and track rail elevation are maintained. This allows the train to be held captive on the track

Failure scenario(s)

The specified track gauge and elevation of this section of track had not been maintained, the track inspection carried out prior to the incident did not capture that section of rail which had become misaligned.

Facts and evidence

• Reviewed the Track Inspection documentation, and compared the length between periodic inspections, and the length outlined in the rides maintenance manual.
• Weekly track inspections outlined in the maintenance manual were being conducted on a monthly basis by the Duty Holder.
• A roll along track gauge measuring tool, present at the facility, was not being used to conduct track inspection.
• Evidence as to the level of training and experience for the person(s) conducting the track inspection being adequate, could not be confirmed .

Causes and contributing factors

It is highly likely, the misalignment of track elevation caused by repetitive cycles of the train, allowed the derailment to occur.

It is plausible that ineffective inspections, conducted between an overly extended period of time, contributed to the derail of the train.

Impact

• Injury
  • Qty injuries: 0
  • Injury description: N/A
  • Injury rating: N/A
• Damage
  • Damage description: Front Rail wheels on third car were replaced after inspection, post incident. Wheels were replaced for wear, not as any result of the incident.
  • Damage rating: Minor

Incident rating

Minor