Train accident wheel type is more strictly controlled
Published: Friday, Aug 9th 2024, 12:20
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In order to reduce the risk of accidents like the one that occurred in the Gotthard Base Tunnel on August 10, 2023, the European Railway Agency (ERA) recently downgraded the wheel type concerned in terms of safety. It is now no longer defined as "thermostable".
This will lead to stricter procedures in the event of signs of thermal overload, for example due to braking, the FOT announced. In addition, a larger minimum wheel diameter has been introduced. In the coming weeks, the FOT will instruct all players in Switzerland to implement the measures immediately. SBB itself does not use the wheel type in question.
After the accident, the FOT contacted wagon keepers in Switzerland and abroad as well as the ERA and demanded that freight wagons with similar wheels be checked and, if necessary, taken out of service. The Office also requested that proceedings be initiated. The measures now presented would help to reduce the risk of further wheel breakages of a similar nature.
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