Train driver killed in derailment on Nordland Line in Norway following rockslide

A train driver tragically lost their life when a passenger train derailed after hitting a rockslide on the Nordland Line between Bjerka and Finneidfjord. The stretch of railway, which runs for approximately five kilometers in Hemnes municipality, has been marked by significant landslide events since a fatal mudslide in 1996 claimed four lives, one of whom was never found.

In the years since, 31 landslide incidents have been recorded between Bjerka and Finneidfjord, with the latest, likely the 32nd, resulting in yet another fatality. The Nordland Line ranks highest in Norway for landslide occurrences, primarily due to its location in a hilly region and its extensive length.

Railroad operator Bane Nor stated that they have documented 863 landslide incidents across Norwegian railways in the past decade. Anna Kirkhusmo, a representative from Bane Nor, noted that various measures have been implemented to enhance safety since the major mudslide in 1996, including geological assessments and infrastructure improvements.

In the last two years alone, there has been an uptick in landslide incidents, with eight recorded in 2023. While it remains unclear whether a landslide caused the recent accident, the scene showed large boulders and debris on the tracks.

Bane Nor’s CEO, Thor Gjermund Eriksen, acknowledged climate change’s role in escalating such incidents and emphasized the necessity for stronger, more resilient infrastructure. Transport Minister Jon-Ivar Nygård indicated that determining the cause of the accident is a priority, reiterating the commitment to ensure safe transport across all modes, including railways.