Two trams collided at the intersection of Victoria Parade and Nicholson Street in Melbourne, after a set of points turned one tram off its intended course and into the path of the other, a preliminary transport safety investigation report has detailed.
An investigation is ongoing into the collision, which resulted in substantial damage to the lead car of both trams, as well as minor injuries to one driver and five passengers.
The investigation is led by the Office of the Chief Investigator, Transport Safety, which conducts rail investigations in Victoria on behalf of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.
The preliminary report is released to provide timely information to industry and the public. It does not include analysis or findings, which will be released in a final report at the conclusion of the investigation.
The preliminary report notes the trams were running in opposite directions on route 96, between Brunswick East and St Kilda Beach.
“On this route, the trams should have passed one another on parallel tracks along Nicholson Street, as they crossed Victoria Parade – one from the north and one from the south,” Chief Investigator Mark Smallwood explained.
“However, a set of points was set such that the north-travelling tram turned to the right, down Victoria Parade, and into the path of the south-travelling tram.”
Each tram was travelling at about 20 km/h at the time of the collision, and both derailed.
The preliminary report includes photographs, diagrams and descriptions of the intersection, signals, road markings and infrastructure involved in the incident.
It notes the previous north-travelling tram which travelled through the intersection prior to the accident, had set the points and turned right onto Victoria Street.
The report notes that north-travelling trams do not turn right onto Victoria Street as part of the standard operation of any route, and trams would only turn right if travelling on an amended route, or when being directed to another location.
“As our investigators continue their work, they will review and examine the operation of both trams, and the functioning and operation of their equipment, as well as track infrastructure, signalling, and traffic management systems,” Mr Smallwood said.
“Investigators will also consider the design and arrangement of infrastructure at the intersection, and the management of safety risk associated with trams deviating from their designated route.”
A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.
Read the preliminary report: Tram to tram collision at East Melbourne, Victoria, on 20 September 2023