Rafz train crash

The Rafz train crash occurred at approximately 6.43 am on 20 February 2015. An

The collision occurred as the Interregio train, which was running late, was passing through Ratz without stopping. The S-Bahn train was departing for

Both drivers were in training and accompanied by instructors.[2] A passenger on the S-bahn train said he believed that his train had departed against a red signal.^[4] A bridge over a road was damaged and left in danger of collapse.^[2] A crane was brought in to recover the derailed carriages,^[5] which were then removed by road.^[7] About 60 metres (66 yd) of track was damaged, along with a number of supports for the catenary.^[8]

Investigation

The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board opened an investigation into the accident.^[5]

A similar accident in January 2013 at Neuhausen, on the same line, was caused by outmoded safety equipment that allowed a train to leave the station against a signal. The equipment at Rafz should in theory have prevented the 2015 crash; authorities are investigating why it did not,^[9] and whether there are any similarities between the two accidents.^[6] The automatic braking equipment is not activated at the first signal after a train has been turned.^[10] The head of the train drivers' union suggested as a possible cause operator confusion because when Rafz station was renovated in 2011, the applicable signal was installed on the right rather than the left, where such signals are usually positioned. He proposed a rule that trains departing after a change of direction limit their initial speed to 40 kilometres per hour (25 mph).^[10]

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Rafz train crash.