Double Derailment at Glengowrie
Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2005 8:24 am
Two derailments occurred yesterday outside Glengowrie depot, making it three since the upgrade in the same place. The first occurred around the Glenelg side of the triangle as the tram may have sped around the track that has not been upgraded. The second occurred at the crossover on the City side of the traingle.
Thousands stranded as two trams come off rails
By SAM RICHES
19sep05
TWO separate tram derailments within metres - and minutes - of each other left thousands stranded after completing the Sunday Mail City-Bay Fun Run yesterday.
People were forced to walk back into the city to catch public transport or wait for up to two hours for replacement buses on Anzac Highway.
TransAdelaide organised the additional buses, mini-buses and taxis free of charge, but with the sheer numbers of participants and spectators, the queues were long and the wait even longer.
TransAdelaide general manager Bill Watson apologised.
"We're very sorry we have inconvenienced everyone and taken the shine off what would otherwise be a great day for Adelaide," he said.
While he would not comment on the cause of the derailments, other than to say they were under investigation, The Advertiser understands both were the result of human error.
Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union state secretary Ray Hancox said drivers could face disciplinary action if they were found to be at fault.
Mr Hancox also was concerned the track inside the depot was at least 70 years old and had not been upgraded with the rest of the tram tracks.
The first tram derailed at Glengowrie, after leaving the depot for Glenelg. It is understood the driver came out of the depot too fast for the bend.
City-Bay competitors were told of the accident at Glenelg and advised to walk to Glengowrie, where a tram would take them into the city.
Gina Scalzi caught a tram to Glenelg to meet her husband, Tony, after the run. The couple was forced to walk, carrying daughters Alexia, 6, and Nicola, 2, from Glenelg to Glengowrie.
"It's the last thing I want to be doing," said Tony.
A second tram, coming from the city, was shunted back to Glengowrie, where tired runners were converging.
After the first incident, the automatic switching system for the tramline reverted to manual operation. The Advertiser understands the second tram was given the signal to proceed but the switch had not been moved correctly and the tram simply drove off the rails.
"At the moment we are undertaking an investigation into the derailment, so it would be speculation to say if there was a similar circumstance to the derailment in August this year," Mr Watson said.
That tram also derailed coming out of the depot, and The Advertiser understands the tight bend and speed were contributing factors.
Opposition transport spokesman Robert Brokenshire called for an urgent inquiry into the condition of the new tracks.
"I'll be pursuing this in the Parliament," he said.
It is the third time in a month there has been a derailment - a Glenelg-bound tram derailed near Morphett Rd on August 15.
Thousands stranded as two trams come off rails
By SAM RICHES
19sep05
TWO separate tram derailments within metres - and minutes - of each other left thousands stranded after completing the Sunday Mail City-Bay Fun Run yesterday.
People were forced to walk back into the city to catch public transport or wait for up to two hours for replacement buses on Anzac Highway.
TransAdelaide organised the additional buses, mini-buses and taxis free of charge, but with the sheer numbers of participants and spectators, the queues were long and the wait even longer.
TransAdelaide general manager Bill Watson apologised.
"We're very sorry we have inconvenienced everyone and taken the shine off what would otherwise be a great day for Adelaide," he said.
While he would not comment on the cause of the derailments, other than to say they were under investigation, The Advertiser understands both were the result of human error.
Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union state secretary Ray Hancox said drivers could face disciplinary action if they were found to be at fault.
Mr Hancox also was concerned the track inside the depot was at least 70 years old and had not been upgraded with the rest of the tram tracks.
The first tram derailed at Glengowrie, after leaving the depot for Glenelg. It is understood the driver came out of the depot too fast for the bend.
City-Bay competitors were told of the accident at Glenelg and advised to walk to Glengowrie, where a tram would take them into the city.
Gina Scalzi caught a tram to Glenelg to meet her husband, Tony, after the run. The couple was forced to walk, carrying daughters Alexia, 6, and Nicola, 2, from Glenelg to Glengowrie.
"It's the last thing I want to be doing," said Tony.
A second tram, coming from the city, was shunted back to Glengowrie, where tired runners were converging.
After the first incident, the automatic switching system for the tramline reverted to manual operation. The Advertiser understands the second tram was given the signal to proceed but the switch had not been moved correctly and the tram simply drove off the rails.
"At the moment we are undertaking an investigation into the derailment, so it would be speculation to say if there was a similar circumstance to the derailment in August this year," Mr Watson said.
That tram also derailed coming out of the depot, and The Advertiser understands the tight bend and speed were contributing factors.
Opposition transport spokesman Robert Brokenshire called for an urgent inquiry into the condition of the new tracks.
"I'll be pursuing this in the Parliament," he said.
It is the third time in a month there has been a derailment - a Glenelg-bound tram derailed near Morphett Rd on August 15.
I think a tram down the parade would be awesome now