Tyres on tram which derailed in 2021 were all 'worn below any recognised limits'  

Report into investigation released almost two years after crash

Details of why a Manx Electric Railway tram derailed have been made public - almost two years after it happened.

Tramcar number 16 crashed between Dreemskerry Farm and Lewaigue at 6.40pm on 16 July 2021 – all four wheels left the carriageway leaving the tram lodged in a hedge.  

One passenger – who was sitting on the driver’s bench – was ejected from the vehicle and sustained a broken leg and bruising; the 11 other passengers, driver and conductor were unharmed.

An investigation report was completed in August 2021 but has only been released into the public domain now after an appeal against a Freedom of Information decision to block its release.

The report shows the root cause of the crash to be a tyre that had worn below the acceptable limit – this had led to hardening of the steel and a lack of ductility.

The tram, which had done 830 miles in the previous 12 months, was said to be in an operational condition however it was rarely operated outside events and days where additional capacity was required.

On the day in question the driver reported that the brake action had become ‘rough’ when he’d applied the brakes at the start of the descent to Lewaigue; there was then no brake and a ‘bumpy ride’ until crashing.

The ‘experienced motorman’ had more than 40 years’ experience and his competency certificates were up to date; he was tested for alcohol and ‘verified as clear by a police officer’.

Speed was not found to be a contributory factor nor did it enhance the consequences of the derailment.

Instead the inspector found that all tyres on the tram were worn well below any recognised limits and there was a clear, brittle fracture in the leading axle left hand tyre.

None of the tyres, or axles, had been inspected prior to operation on the day.

Had the wheels been ‘hammer tested’ for ringing the inspector found it was ‘highly probable’ that the tyres which were no longer ductile would have been detected.

Six recommendations were made – one which was advised should be started with immediate effect – as part of efforts to stop a repeat incident.

These included staff training on wheelset inspection, wheels being subject to a ‘daily wheel tap’ and assessment of locations on the track where derailment would result in a significant drop.

Isle of Man Railways was also urged to consider fitting discrete speedometers and forward-facing cameras.

Manx Radio has asked the Department of Infrastructure if all six recommendations have been actioned – we are awaiting a response.

In March this year the DoI confirmed it had paid an £18,000 court fine after being prosecuted for two health and safety failings between 12 April 2017 and 17 July 2021.

At the time it said: "The department wishes to reassure the public that a comprehensive review was quickly undertaken into the maintenance procedures on the Manx Electric Railway following the incident, leading to improvements made at the time to existing processes as well as additional training for staff.

"The safety of our staff, passengers and the public remain the highest priority for the department.”

You can find the full report into the investigation here: 

Isle of Man Railways Investigation Report 2021