The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has released its second interim report into the fatal accident involving a tram near Sandilands Junction, Croydon in November last year, in which 7 people died and a further 51 were injured.
The initial investigations revealed that the train had entered a sharp bend at almost four times the speed limit.
The on board data recorder shows the regular service brake was not applied until around 2.5 seconds before the tram reached a 20km/h (13mph) speed limit signat the curve . The speed of the tram decreased from 49mph to 46mph by the time it passed the sign and investigators say the hazard brake was not used.
“The late application of the brakes, and the absence of emergency braking, suggests that the driver had lost awareness that he was approaching the tight, left-hand curve.” the report states. “The RAIB is continuing to investigate the factors that may have caused this to occur.”
The RAIB will publish a final report, including any safety recommendations, at the conclusion of its investigation.
In January chevron signs were installed at four sites with “significant bends” including Sandilands to provide “an additional visual cue” for drivers.
