Wenzhou train tragedy: A teething problem for new high speed rail?

On 23^rd July 2011, two D-category trains (top speed 250 km/h) crashed into each other in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province. 40 people were killed in this tragedy.

While thorough investigation is required, this tragedy should not be seen as a teething problem for the recent additions to the China’s high speed train network. D-category trains:

• have been in operation in China since 2007. The track where the accident occurred had been in use since 2008.

• are common and well tested throughout China. In 2011, D-trains leaving or arriving in Beijing will travel a combined 34.3 million kilometres (21.4 million miles).

• have suffered no other reported accidents since their introduction.

While the new G-category trains (top speed 300 km/h) trains have suffered some teething problems the implemented safety systems have worked successfully.

In reporting on the incident, the Chinese Government should focus on the differences between the G-category trains and the D-category trains. The train incident should be reported as an isolated tragedy that has occurred after three years of successfully implementing D-category trains.