The derailment on the Iron Ore Line in December last year may have been caused by a defective wheel.
This was stated by the Swedish Accident Investigation Authority. The final report is scheduled for March 2025.
A loaded iron ore train heading from Kiruna in Northern Sweden to Narvik in Northern Norway derailed near the Norwegian border with several cars. There were no injuries, but the derailment led to significant damage to infrastructure, such as rails, sleepers, and overhead lines. […]
The report reveals that a wheel is to have derailed while the trail was still in motion. The more extensive derailment occurred 15 kilometers later with several derailed axles and cars.
The investigators found an axle with a loose, damaged wheel under the derailed cars. According to the report, the wheel broke, then moved toward the axle and derailed.
A crack on the back of the wheel flange is a likely contributor. The cause of this is still under investigation. Läs artikel