An investigation is continuing into yesterday’s runaway mountain tram crash.
The historic Snaefell Mountain Railway tramcar rolled out of control down the line three quarters of the way from the summit to Bungalow before it derailed.
Tramcar no.3 was completely destroyed. Fortunately no passengers or staff were on board at the time.
Some 30 passengers left stranded at the summit were subsequently taken back down to Laxey by tram.
A decision will be taken tomorrow (Friday) on whether services can resume.
Director of public transport Ian Longworth said the tram had been parked at the top of the down line and had been empty for some time.
There are works currently underway to resurface paving around the summit tram stop and Snaefell Hotel.
He said the tram travelled three quarters of the journey from the Summit to the Bungalow before coming off the tracks.
No other trams were moving at the time of the roll-away, he said.
Tram no.1 had arrived while no.3 was parked for the next downhill service.
Mr Longworth said there is no safety fell rail at the point where the tram was parked but he added that this was not relevant. ‘The fell rail holds the tram on track and is for emergency braking not a parking brake.’
Asked if a member of staff had been on board could the hand brake have been applied, he replied: ‘Yes.’
Mr Longworth said the government health and safety inspectorate is involved in the investigation into the crash along with a retired engineer.
He said he could not yet estimate when the investigation could report back with its findings. ‘I will probably be better able to see the position tomorrow,’ he added.
The SMR celebrated its 120th anniversary last August. Tramcar 3 is not the first of the fleet to have been destroyed. In 1970, car 5 was completely gutted by fire and a new body was built locally.