Quiet warning bell on tram led to Carlos Correa's death
The 53-year-old died after being hit by a tram in Edinburgh last year
Accident investigators have highlighted a series of failings which led to the death of a man hit by a tram in Edinburgh's Saughton area last year.
53-year old Carlos Correa was struck whilst crossing tram tracks close to a stop at Broomhouse Drive on 11th September 2018 and died as a result of his injuries.
An official report released today says that the warning bell on board was sounded by the driver, but was 'not sufficiently loud' enough to be heard by Carlos.
The report also stated that overgrown trees and shrubs obscured the driver's view and that the speed limit in the area of 44 miles per hour was too high.
Speaking on behalf of Carlos Correa's family, their lawyer Jayne Crawford a partner with Thompsons Solicitors commented:
“The family, who are still grieving their loss, are shocked by a damning report prepared by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch identifying several areas of failings in respect of public safety.
"Even the most basic risk assessment and investigation would have identified appropriate safety measures, any one of which could have prevented Mr Correa’s death.
"In essence the report suggests that in the many millions of public funds lavished on the Edinburgh’s tram project little attention was paid to simple, industry standard, safety measures.
"The family welcome the recommendations set out within the RAIB’s report and hope that Edinburgh trams follow up on the necessary safety measures to ensure this such tragic accidents are prevented in the future.”
Jayne Crawford also added “It is also hoped that the crown will now expedite their investigations following the RAIB’s full report and that those investigations will answer the family’s concern as to how such basic public safety issues were overlooked."
Lea Harrison, Managing Director, Edinburgh Trams said:
"Providing a safe tramway for the city is imperative for Edinburgh Trams.
"We have worked closely with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch throughout their investigation, and prior to the publication of today’s report Edinburgh Trams installed a new louder horn system across the fleet.
"Improvements have been made to the crossing at Saughton including additional signage, alerting pedestrians look both ways for trams and a small fence has been built to guide pedestrians to a safe crossing point.
"Foliage and hedges have also been removed to improve sightlines. An off street crossings review has been completed with all additional measures to be implemented by the end of 2019."
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has made four recommendations as a result of the inquiry.
They are improving the audibility of Edinburgh Trams’ warning devices, identifying the risk factors associated with off- street pedestrian crossings as well as improving the current guidance on the audibility of tram warning devices and on the design and layout of tram footpath crossings.
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