Accident – Fire on train number 4706 at station Lupoglav on the line R101, on March 19, 2025

On March 19, 2025, at 03:31 p.m., during the arrival and stopping of passenger train No. 4706 at Lupoglav station on the railway line R101 at km 048+940, a fire occurred on the diesel multiple unit series 7122. At the time of the fire, there were four passengers, a conductor, and a train driver on the train. No injuries were reported, while the interior of the diesel multiple unit train was completely burned down.

The causal factor of the accident was damaged thermal insulation on the exhaust system of the propulsion diesel engine series 7122, which led to heat transfer and subsequent ignition of combustible materials (chapter 3.2.2.).

Contributing factor:
– propulsion components located underfloor were covered in accumulated grease mixed with dust (chapter 3.2.2.).

Systemic factors:
– in the “Instructions for the maintenance of traction vehicles owned by HŽPP d.o.o.” the description and periodicity of the inspection of the complete exhaust system of diesel engines “A” and “B” are missing (chapter 4.1.1.),
– in Annex 2 List and categorization of risks arising from the railway vehicle maintenance system for part C Maintenance of diesel multiple units and electric multiple units, risks that may affect railway safety were neither identified nor evaluated, nor were corresponding measures established in accordance with the causes of fire provided by the Railway Undertaking (chapter 4.1.1.),
– additional measures concluded on December 14, 2020, between the Railway Undertaking and the Entity in Charge of Maintenance to improve maintenance quality and prevent fires on traction vehicles have not been fully implemented (chapter 4.2.4.).

The Air, Maritime and Railway Traffic Accidents Investigation Agency, based on the conducted investigation of this accident, in order to increase the safety of the railway system, addresses the following safety recommendations to the Agency for Railway Safety: