Lithuanian Railways (LTG) is launching a high-level investigation following two separate rail derailments that occurred in early May. The incidents have sparked a dispute between the rail operator and a trade union over how the events were characterized and reported to the public.
Details of the Derailments
The first incident took place on the morning of May 1 at the Gudžiūnai station in the Kėdainiai district. Three wagons transporting crushed stone derailed from a train consisting of approximately 20 to 30 wagons traveling from Radviliškis toward Palemonas in Kaunas.
Traffic was disrupted as a result of the derailment, though the situation was resolved by Saturday. A second incident occurred on the night of May 3 in Jiesia, Kaunas district, where a locomotive and four cargo wagons arriving from Duisburg derailed.
This second accident was located in the Rokai eldership, specifically in Vingytė village on Upės street, at the 44th kilometer of the Jiesia–Rokai road.
Conflict Over Transparency and Safety
The “Solidarumas” trade union has criticized the handling of these events, suggesting that the public might not have learned about the incidents if not for information from sources. The union claims the situation may have been downplayed or even hidden.
While Lithuanian Railways acknowledges that the events occurred, the company has avoided calling them accidents. Instead, LTG describes the events as a “technical situation” that was quickly resolved and reportedly had no impact on train traffic.
The trade union disagrees with this assessment. They have highlighted potential safety risks if rails are returned to operation after such derailments without undergoing additional evaluation.
Future Outlook
On Monday, Lithuanian Railways announced it would initiate a commission to investigate the causes of the derailments in the Kėdainiai region. This body is tasked with analyzing the root causes of the failures.
As a result of these findings, the company intends to develop additional safety measures. These new protocols may be implemented across the national railway system to prevent future occurrences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the May 1 incident?
Three wagons carrying crushed stone derailed at the Gudžiūnai station in the Kėdainiai district. The train, which had 20 to 30 wagons, was traveling from Radviliškis toward Palemonas.
Where did the May 3 derailment occur?
The second incident happened in Jiesia, Kaunas district, specifically in Vingytė village on Upės street, at the 44th kilometer of the Jiesia–Rokai road, involving a locomotive and four wagons from Duisburg.
How is the “Solidarumas” trade union responding?
The union has criticized LTG for potentially hiding or downplaying the incidents and warns that returning rails to service without further assessment could pose safety risks.
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