Train Disruptions end roday - Hashalom Station Reopens: Investigation Into Freight Train Incident

 Israel Railways announced Saturday night that train service across the country will fully resume on Sunday, with Hashalom Station in Tel Aviv reopening after being closed since Wednesday.

The announcement follows nearly a week of widespread disruptions, which included complete shutdowns of central railway lines and significant delays on others. The disruption was caused by a freight train accident that severely damaged the country’s electrification infrastructure at two separate points.

Freight Train Caused Widespread Damage

According to Israel Railways, the incident involved a freight train carrying improperly secured pallets, which damaged electrification infrastructure at two sites approximately 50 kilometers apart — in the Bagnot area near Tel Aviv South and Kfar Vitkin.

The preliminary internal investigation found that a part of the train's cargo — specifically the "upper plate wing" — became unsecured and struck overhead power lines at both locations, causing damage spanning several kilometers in each area.

"The failure to secure the cargo properly was a violation of loading protocols," the railway stated. "The cargo in question was a new and unusual type, and the error originated at the Ashdod loading station."

Hashalom Station Reopens

Following the infrastructure damage, Hashalom Station was closed for urgent maintenance, which continued into the weekend. Officials explained that the repair work was expedited to ensure safety and restore electrification along the central lines.

Hashalom Station, one of the busiest in the country, will resume normal operations along with the rest of the network on Sunday.

External Investigation Committee to Be Established

Due to the severity and complexity of the incident, Israel Railways confirmed that an external investigation committee will be appointed to examine the direct and indirect causes of the failure.

An internal investigation, led by newly appointed VP of Safety and Environmental Quality, Yossi Ben Simhon, concluded that the incident stemmed from non-compliance with loading and securing procedures, particularly for non-standard cargo types.

"The damage and the series of failures uncovered raise serious concerns about operational safety and oversight in freight transportation," officials said.

The decision to escalate the investigation underscores the growing scrutiny over rail freight safety standards, particularly as Israel continues expanding its electrified rail network.