Train derailment disrupts traffic in Norway
Following a freight train derailment on the evening of 22 March 2024, the Norwegian infrastructure manager Bane NOR has initiated cleanup operations at Arna station, in Bergen, Norway. As a result, all train services between Bergen and Vaksdal are suspended until further notice.
There were no reports of serious injuries from the incident. The locomotive driver sustained minor injuries and received medical attention. Authorities confirmed that there was no hazardous cargo aboard the train. Bane NOR’s immediate priority on Friday evening was to assist emergency services in safely evacuating passengers from the regional train travelling from Oslo to Bergen out of the Arnanipa tunnel, as outlined in a recent press release.
Investigation and cleanup underway
On Saturday, the State Accident Investigation Board, along with the Police and Bane NOR’s investigation and analysis unit, conducted a thorough examination of the scene. Additionally, Bane NOR’s Recovery and Emergency unit from Oslo was deployed to Arna station to facilitate the clearance process. The scene was cleared by the Police and Accident Investigation Board on Saturday evening. Subsequently, Bane NOR’s Recovery and Emergency unit commenced the removal of overhead power lines to facilitate the clearing of the freight train cars. Today marks the beginning of full-scale cleanup operations.
Sverre Kjenne, CEO of Bane NOR, commented on the ongoing efforts, stating, “The scene has recently been released by the police, so we do not yet have an overview of the extent of the infrastructure damage resulting from the derailment. It is expected that the cleanup efforts will take time.” Bane NOR’s investigation and analysis unit concluded their examinations at Arna station on Saturday evening and is scheduled to engage in discussions with involved parties on Sunday. Kjenne also mentioned, “We have no estimate for when we can resume normal traffic operations on the Bergen – Vaksdal route. Vy is arranging alternative transport for passengers.”
Passenger train stranded in Arnanipa Tunnel
As a consequence of the derailment, the regional train from Oslo to Bergen found itself stranded in the Arnanipa tunnel. Late Friday evening, the locomotive was disconnected to allow two rescue trains to pull the passenger cars to Stanghelle. Buses were stationed at Stanghelle to ferry passengers further to Bergen, with medical personnel on standby.
“We made every effort to swiftly evacuate passengers from the tunnel. We understand the ordeal they experienced,” remarked Sverre Kjenne. Saturday evening saw Bane NOR towing the locomotive from the regional train out of the Arnanipa tunnel to Trengereid.
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