The primary cause of the train derailment on the Malmbanan railway line in Vassijaure, Sweden, on December 17 of the previous year was most likely a defective wheel, as initially reported by the website Järnvägar.nu. Caroline Wiss, CEO of LKAB Malmtrafik, confirmed this preliminary finding, stating that while they await the final report from the Swedish Accident Investigation Authority (SHK), evidence from the outset pointed toward a wheel failure. This initial assessment has been reinforced by the SHK’s preliminary report, which indicates that the wheel fractured from the tread to the hub, suggesting a pre-existing crack that requires further investigation.
Despite the wheel failure, LKAB’s internal investigation concluded that all prescribed maintenance procedures for the wheel in question had been followed. As a precautionary measure, LKAB removed all wheels from the same manufacturing batch and subjected them to rigorous inspections. Reassuringly, all of these wheels passed inspection without any issues being detected. This incident was the first of two derailments on the Malmbanan line during the past winter, raising concerns as LKAB prepares for another season of ore transportation under challenging conditions.
In response to these derailments, LKAB has collaborated with the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket) to review both operational procedures and technical aspects of their railway operations. While acknowledging that absolute guarantees are impossible, Wiss expressed confidence in the enhanced safety measures and stated that they do not feel any greater apprehension than they did before the derailments occurred. The economic consequences of the derailment were significant for LKAB, resulting in estimated daily revenue losses of 100 million kronor (approximately $9 million USD) over the two-month repair period.
The incident underscores the aging infrastructure of the Malmbanan railway line, a critical component of LKAB’s operations. Reports indicate that over 40% of the track is more than 30 years old and consequently subject to wear and tear. LKAB emphasizes the urgent need for increased capacity and modernization of the railway infrastructure, particularly to mitigate the vulnerability to disruptions caused by accidents. The current configuration of the line, consisting primarily of a single track with limited passing points, exacerbates the impact of such incidents.
LKAB advocates for a significant increase in the number of passing points along the Malmbanan line and, ideally, the construction of a double track along the entire route. This infrastructure upgrade would improve the resilience of the railway system, minimizing the operational and economic consequences of future derailments. The company views these improvements as essential for ensuring the long-term viability and efficiency of its ore transportation operations.
The focus now shifts to the SHK’s final report, which will provide a more detailed analysis of the wheel failure and potentially offer further recommendations for enhancing railway safety. The incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of robust infrastructure and meticulous maintenance procedures in ensuring the safe and reliable operation of vital transportation networks, particularly in challenging environments like those encountered on the Malmbanan line. The economic impact on LKAB also highlights the broader consequences of such disruptions, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to minimize risks and maintain the flow of essential resources.
