Yunnan train accident that killed 11 was a major railway traffic liability incident, report says

A railway accident that occurred at the Luoyang Township Station, Yunnan province, resulting in 11 deaths and 2 injuries on Nov 27 last year, was a major railway traffic liability incident, according to an investigative report released on Friday.

The investigation revealed that the immediate cause of the accident was unauthorized construction work by the Kunming South work team. The construction leader, without receiving a dispatch order permitting the work and knowing that conditions were unsuitable, illegally opened the work gate and led workers into the operational area at the station in Kunming, capital of Yunnan. Also, they failed to confirm train operations with the site protector, resulting in workers being struck by the passing 55537 maintenance train, the report said.

The investigation also uncovered lapses in the China Railway Kunming Group Company's oversight of construction plans, a lack of unified management at the construction interface, and systemic issues with habitual unauthorized commands and a failing protection system. Furthermore, deficiencies in safety management and superficial hazard inspections were also found, it said.

The investigation determined that the company and related units were responsible for the accident. And they will receive administrative penalties. The accident has incurred a direct economic loss of 14.52 million yuan ($2.14 million), it added.

After the accident, the central government showed great concern, issuing important directives and clear requirements. In response, the Ministry of Emergency Management, the National Railway Administration, the Ministry of Public Security, China State Railway Group Co Ltd, along with the government of Yunnan province, promptly arrived at the scene to conduct emergency rescue operations. Meanwhile, an accident investigation team was established.

The investigation team conducted on-site inspections, gathered evidence, and performed comprehensive analyses. They clarified the circumstances and causes of the accident, identified the responsibilities of relevant units and departments, and highlighted issues in industry supervision. The team provided recommendations for accountability and proposed corrective and preventive measures.

The report said that the investigation highlights four main lessons from the accident: inadequate risk prevention and hazard management, insufficient implementation of safety responsibilities, repeated occurrences of similar accidents without learning from previous mistakes, and weak safety defenses failing to enhance intrinsic railway safety.