On Friday 22 March 2024 in the evening, a freight train derailed at Arna station, causing a halt to all train operations between Bergen and Vaksdal.
By Saturday evening, the scene was cleared for clean-up operations to begin, focusing on assessing and repairing the damage inflicted on the infrastructure.
The derailment resulted in minor injuries to the locomotive driver, who received immediate medical attention. It was confirmed that the train was not carrying any hazardous materials. Efforts were initially directed towards aiding passengers aboard a regional train from Oslo to Bergen, which was trapped in the Arnanipa tunnel due to the derailment.
Investigations into the cause of the derailment were launched on Saturday, with various units including Bane NOR's investigation team and emergency services from Oslo participating. The clearance of the site on Saturday evening marked the commencement of clean-up efforts, particularly the removal of the catenary system to facilitate the clearance of derailed wagons. The extent of the infrastructure damage remains unclear, with expectations that restoration efforts could be prolonged.
Passenger trains affected by the incident saw significant disruptions, with a regional train caught in the tunnel being evacuated with the assistance of auxiliary trains and buses to complete the passengers' journey to Bergen. Health personnel were present at Stanghelle for support, and Vy personnel welcomed passengers at Bergen station.
Bane NOR has yet to provide an estimate for when normal train service on the Bergen-Vaksdal section will resume, with alternative transport arrangements being made for affected travelers. The swift response aimed to minimize inconvenience and ensure passenger safety, reflecting the seriousness with which the incident is being addressed.
