2005 Deelfontein train collision

The Deelfontein rail crash was a head-on collision when the Shosholoza Meyl Trans Karoo express hit the stationary Blue Train at a crossing loop at Deelfontein in South Africa in October 2005.[1]

Although there were some serious injuries, there was no loss of life. The cause of the accident was found to be a wrong side failure in the signalling, caused by solder splatter in one of the interlocking relays.[2]

Aftermath

The signalling circuit improperly bridged by the solder splatter appears to have been single-switched. To prevent a recurrence, double switched circuits are proposed, also called secondary protection circuits.

References

  1. ^ Crash: Baby found under seat, News24.com, 27 October 2005
  2. ^ RailwaysAfrica Issue 1/2006