The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has called on the Department for Transport (DfT) to review the regulations for side window strength in coaches and buses.
It comes after an extensive investigation into window strength during its investigations into November 2016’s Croydon tram crash at Sandilands.
Ejection through windows and doors due to toughened glass shattering was the principal cause of injury in this accident, with 34 of the 69 passengers being fully or partially ejected. All seven of those killed went through the windows.
The RAIB says the DfT “should use the lessons learnt from the review of the containment provided by tram windows and doors to establish whether this identifies potential safety improvements applicable to buses and coaches.”
“In particular, whether there are circumstances in which it is reasonably practicable to improve the containment provided by windows and/or doors of existing and future vehicles without restricting emergency egress.
“If potential improvements are identified, the DfT should disseminate this learning to bus/coach manufacturers, UK bus operators and UK transport authorities; and promote changes to current standards governing these vehicles to reflect lessons learnt.”
Crash report is here
