[article] Inquiry launched after train carriages filled with smoke
 

Mark Rodden, Irish Times, 30/09/2006


Iarnród Éireann has launched an investigation into an incident on a Cork to Dublin train last Sunday evening that resulted in smoke entering the train through the air conditioning system.


The 7.30pm Cork-Dublin service ran into problems between Charleville and Limerick Junction stations, resulting in smoke and a pungent smell passing through the train, which caused panic among some passengers.

Iarnród Éireann confirmed yesterday that the smoke was generated by a brake disc problem on the leading carriage. The brakes locked against the wheels of the train, resulting in smoke travelling through the air conditioning system of the CAF InterCity train.

The train crew manager alerted the driver to the problem and a maintenance team was called to Limerick Junction station to investigate. The train was halted near Kilmallock and doors were eventually released to help clear the smoke. Three passengers concerned by the fumes alighted from the train at this stage.

As the wheels were still running hot, the train was brought in at low speed to Limerick Junction. Passengers were then transferred to another train, and they arrived in Dublin two hours later than scheduled.

One passenger, David O'Reilly, told The Irish Times he feared for the safety of everyone on board.

Barry Kenny of Iarnród Éireann apologised to passengers and said that, while he fully understood their concern, the company was satisfied that the fumes posed no health risk. Mr Kenny said that air conditioning could be shut down manually but that in this case the crew decided to halt the train and release the doors to let in air.

Mr Kenny said the brake problem was not a common one and that Iarnród Éireann would investigate the full circumstances of the fault and how it was handled, but that the company was happy that safety was maintained despite the significant delay.

Although some passengers were concerned, Mr Kenny said the crew had managed the situation by making arrangements for maintenance to examine the problem and by arranging a replacement train.

Iarnród Éireann offers refunds to customers if a service is delayed by two hours or more.

© The Irish Times

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We had the story and the cause spot on last Sunday before the passengers even got to Dublin

There was a serious breech of safety here

IE have admitted that train manager intervened to stop the train, the driver should have got an indication that there was a problem

IE have admited the AC was not shut off, thats not optional thats design the AC on a Mk4 is designed to close the external intake if smoke is present, clearly it didn't work

Unless there is imminent danger to life you don't leave the train, now we have been unable to confirm where the train halted but the platfroms in Kilmallock are still intact a little low but like Knocklong there are still there. Its highly likely the driver would have had the presence of mind to stop at the platform despite it non use

The train was not protected as the 19:00 to Cork and 19:10 to Tralee where not halted