PRELIMINARY investigations by Shanghai Shengtong Metro Group into a collision between two trains on Line 10 on September 27 in which 284 people were injured, says failure to follow operating regulations during a power failure led to the accident. Disruption to the power supply had caused the signalling system to fail, and it appears that telephone block working was instituted but the officer in charge failed to enforce the relevant regulations, resulting in one train colliding with the rear of the train in front.

 

Alstom, which supplied the trains for Line 10 in partnership with Nanjing Puzhen and the signalling in partnership with Casco, says it and Casco "fully agree with results of the investigation released by Shanghai Metro as it coincides with their own joint investigation findings. The cause of the accident lies neither with the rolling stock nor with the signalling system, but in a network power shortage, for which neither Alstom nor Casco can be held responsible."

Of the injured, 95 people are still receiving treatment in hospital. Train operation on Line 10 resumed at 20.00 on September 28, but with 10 temporary speed restrictions, a maximum speed of 45km/h, and increased supervision.

Shanghai Shengtong Metro Group has initiated a five-point plan to improve safety following the accident. This involves setting up a safety inspection team, strengthening supervision of all aspects of operating the metro, sending a special work team to Line 10 to double all key operating functions, implementing a strict operating controls to cope with degraded operation and equipment failures, and stepping up safety management and training.