Cracked wheel caused Gotthard derailment, but ‘could not have been detected’

The culprit of the accident. A crack developed in the wheel to the point of a violent fracture Swiss Safety Investigation Board (SUST)

The Swiss Safety Investigation Board (SUST) confirmed initial suspicions that the derailment of a freight train in the Gotthard Base Tunnel on 10 August was caused by a faulty wheel. The SUST interim report mentioned that “there is no evidence of pre-existing operational defects that could have caused the derailment”. Moreover, they claim that current technologies could not have detected the crack in the wheel and, thus, prevented the accident. 

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Author: Marco Raimondi

Marco Raimondi is an editor of RailFreight.com, the online magazine for rail freight professionals.

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Cracked wheel caused Gotthard derailment, but ‘could not have been detected’ | RailTech.com

Cracked wheel caused Gotthard derailment, but ‘could not have been detected’

The culprit of the accident. A crack developed in the wheel to the point of a violent fracture Swiss Safety Investigation Board (SUST)

The Swiss Safety Investigation Board (SUST) confirmed initial suspicions that the derailment of a freight train in the Gotthard Base Tunnel on 10 August was caused by a faulty wheel. The SUST interim report mentioned that “there is no evidence of pre-existing operational defects that could have caused the derailment”. Moreover, they claim that current technologies could not have detected the crack in the wheel and, thus, prevented the accident. 

Want to read more?

Subscribe now!

Take advantage of our exclusive offer to get full access to all premium content.

See the offer

Author: Marco Raimondi

Marco Raimondi is an editor of RailFreight.com, the online magazine for rail freight professionals.

Add your comment

characters remaining.

Log in through one of the following social media partners to comment.