Classification of railway accidents

Classification of railway accidents, both in terms of cause and effect, is a valuable aid in studying rail (and other) accidents to help to prevent similar ones occurring in the future. Systematic investigation for over 150 years has led to the railways' excellent safety record (compared, for example, with road transport).

Ludwig von Stockert (1913) proposed a classification of accidents by their effects (consequences); e.g. -on-collisions, rear-end collisions, derailments. Schneider and Mase (1968) proposed an additional classification by causes; e.g. driver's errors, signalmen's errors, mechanical faults. Similar categorisations had been made by implication in previous books e.g. Rolt (1956), but Stockert's and Schneider/Mase's are more systematic and complete. With minor changes, they represent best knowledge.

Classification of rail accidents by effects

Collisions
Collisions with trains:
- Collisions with buffer stops (overrunning end of track)
- Collisions with obstructions on the track (may also cause derailment)
- Collision with landslips (in cuttings)

Derailments
By location:
- Plain track
- Curves
- Junctions

Other

Fires, explosions and release of hazardous chemicals (including sabotage/terrorism)
People falling from trains, collisions with people on tracks

Classification of rail accidents by causes

Drivers' errors

Passing signals at danger
Excessive speed
Mishandling of the engine (e.g. boiler explosions)
Failure to check brakes and safety systems as well as sand reserve
Failure to stop at required positions, e.g. level crossings with defective equipment or shunting movements that lead to occupied tracks.

Signalmen's errors

Allowing two trains into same occupied block section
Incorrect operation of signals, points or token equipment

(Mechanical) failure of rolling stock

Poor design
Poor maintenance
Undetected damage
Overloading or freight that is not adequately secured.
Fire starting from combustion motors, electric cables or equipment, leaking fuel or cooling oil

Civil engineering failure

Track (permanent way) faults
Bridge and tunnel collapses
Poor track or junction layout

Acts of other people

Other railway personnel (shunters, porters, maintenance personnel, etc.)
Non-railway personnel
Accidental
- Accidental track obstruction e.g. with road vehicles or by working construction vehicles
Deliberate (vandalism, terrorism, suicide, extortion, sabotage)
- Deliberate track obstruction, e.g. with road vehicles or (heavy) objects
- Intentional damage to infrastructure like tracks, points or signals
- Level crossing misuse
- Trespassing
- Attack
- Riot

Natural causes

Track obstruction or damage by landslides, avalanches, floods, trees
Fog or snow that obscure signals or the current position of the train
Wet leaves (or their remains) making the tracks slippery.

Contributory factors

Strength of rolling stock
Fire hazards or dangerous goods in the train, in involved road vehicles or the vicinity
Effectiveness of brakes
Inadequate rules

References

Ludwig von Stockert (1913), Eisenbahnunfalle (Railway Accidents – a contribution to railway operating technology). Leipzig 1913.
Schneider, Wolfgang; Armand Mase (1968). Katastrophen auf Schienen. In German, English translation 1979 by E.L. Dellow as Railway Accidents of Great Britain and Europe. Orell Fussli Verlag (German), David and Charles (English). SBN 7153 4791 8.
Rolt, L.T.C. (1956). Red for Danger. Bodley Head / David and Charles / Pan Books. Later editions available.