Ongoing ICM Case due to derailment in Gotthard base tunnel

Ongoing ICM disruption due to the derailment in the Gotthard Tunnel (CH)

 
 

The derailment of a freight train severely damaged the track system and a gauge change gate in the Gotthard Base Tunnel. This safety-relevant device is needed to separate the two tunnel tubes. Safety has top priority, which is why the second tube cannot be used for passenger or freight traffic. Use for freight traffic will not be possible until at least midnight on Monday, 14 August 2023. For passenger traffic, the line will still be closed until at least 16 August 2023, 24.00 hrs. This will increase the travel time between Northrn Switzerland and Ticino by around one hour. As international travellers have to change trains in Chiasso, their travel time will be extended by around two hours. SBB apologises for the inconvenience.
It is not yet possible to make a precise statement on the cause and extent of the damage. The Swiss Safety Investigation Authority and the cantonal investigation authorities are investigating the accident. The accident site has not yet been released by the investigating authorities for clean-up and repair work.

Due to the increased traffic volume and the limited alternative connections at the weekend and the limited number of seats available, SBB strongly recommends postponing spontaneous rail journeys over the Gotthard and asks for your understanding.

The investigating authorities have now partially cleared the accident site in the Gotthard Base Tunnel. The locomotive and the roadworthy freight wagons have been transported out of the tunnel. 16 freight wagons are still at the accident site. SBB has been able to begin extensive clean-up work. However, a complete overview of the damage is not yet available. Planning for the repair work has begun. It is not yet possible to forecast how long it will take to repair the damage. Passenger and goods trains will be diverted beyond 16 August. SBB will provide information on the next steps on Wednesday, 16 August 2023. SBB had initially checked whether the undamaged tunnel tube could be used by freight trains from tomorrow, Tuesday. This will not be possible. In order for the undamaged tunnel tube to be put back into operation, the air circulation between the two tubes must be separated. This is the only way to guarantee the safety of the emergency services at the accident site. SBB will also issue a new forecast on Wednesday, 16 August 2023.

Diversions Passenger trains via panoramic route prove their worth Since the closure of the base tunnel, passenger trains have been running via the Gotthard panorama route. The travel time is increased by 60 minutes for national traffic and between 60 and 120 minutes for international traffic. So far, the diversion of passenger trains has proved successful. The capacities were sufficient last weekend. No double-decker trains can run on the panorama route. Therefore, there are about 30 per cent fewer seats available on weekends, and space can be tight. On weekdays, capacity is slightly reduced. The measures already communicated for freight traffic will be maintained. Numerous freight trains are parked in Switzerland and abroad. The parking capacities in Switzerland are now exhausted. SBB asks for your understanding and regrets the inconvenience for passengers and customers in national and international freight traffic.

More information can be found HERE. (German and Italian)