Subway accident investigation finds multiple causes

The Beijing municipal government has approved and released the results of the investigation into a subway accident that occurred in December, which resulted in three severe injuries and a total economic loss of approximately 9.5 million yuan ($132 million), according to a report in the Beijing Daily on Monday night.

The Beijing Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection and Supervision conducted the accountability investigation, which classified the accident as a safety liability incident that resulted in multiple injuries. The accident was attributed to various factors, including the extended braking distance of the train resulting from snowy weather, inadequate implementation of snow weather response measures by the operating unit, and improper handling by both the train dispatcher and the driver.

At 6:52 pm on Dec 14, a Beijing subway train crashed into the rear of another train that had made an emergency stop ahead of it. Hundreds of people were injured. The municipal government established an investigation team to reconstruct in greater detail how the accident happened, to identify and hold accountable the parties responsible and to deal with injury and damage claims.

The preliminary investigation concluded that the root cause of the crash on the Changping line was slippery tracks due to snowy weather. The rear train, going downhill slightly, skidded during braking and was unable to come to a stop, resulting in a collision with the rearmost carriage of the leading train.

Both trains were traveling from Xi'erqi Station to Life Science Park Station during the evening rush hour, with numerous passengers on board.

A total of 18 individuals from the Beijing Subway and the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport are accountable for the accident. In addition, the public security authority has initiated a case investigation against the individuals responsible for the accident, and the Beijing Subway Operation Company has taken necessary action in accordance with regulations regarding the relevant personnel.