Train derails on Nordlandsbanen after rockslide in Hemnes, resulting in one death and four injuries

On October 24, a train derailed on the Nordlandsbanen after colliding with a rockslide in Hemnes. The train driver, a man in his sixties, died in the accident, and four other individuals were injured. There were 46 passengers on board at the time.

To commemorate the tragedy, train drivers on the Nordlandsbanen held a minute of silence at 11 a.m. on November 6, coinciding with the driver’s funeral. Rolf Ringdal, leader of the Norwegian Locomotive Drivers’ Union, expressed that the event has deeply affected their members, resulting in feelings of grief and anger. He emphasized the unnecessary loss of life in the workplace, highlighting the shared sentiments among colleagues in Mosjøen.

The union has voiced its primary concern for the driver’s family and is committed to preventing such incidents in the future. Ringdal stated that while they generally consider their work safe, this event has underscored that conditions were not secure. He indicated that they will closely monitor the recommendations from the Accident Investigation Board and the actions taken by Bane Nor, responsible for the infrastructure.

Anne Kirkhusmo, Bane Nor’s press officer, mentioned that the agency is deeply impacted by the incident, adding that they are actively working to assess avalanche risks and safety measures on the Nordlandsbanen. Both the Accident Investigation Board and Bane Nor’s analysis unit are currently investigating the accident.

Transportation Minister Jon-Ivar Nygård characterized the train disaster as profoundly tragic and assured that he would follow up on the findings to improve safety. He acknowledged that while attention is heightened in the aftermath of such tragic events, consistent advocacy for safety measures is essential to prevent future incidents.