A summary of the investigation report into the runaway tram incident will be made public.

But the Health and Safety at Work Inspectorate says it cannot publish the full report without a change in legislation.

Services on the Snaefell Mountain Railway have resumed following the incident on Friday, August 4 in which a tram sustained brake failure after it left Snaefell summit and ran out of control across the road at Bungalow before it could be brought to a halt.

The HSWI says it is conducting a thorough investigation and it is not possible to put a timescale on its completion.

Head of the HSWI Bernard Warden said: ’The investigation will concentrate on why the incident happened and on how such incidents can be prevented in future.

’HSWI will obtain statements from the management, the tram’s driver and conductor, staff present at the Bungalow, passengers, maintenance staff and anyone else deemed to be appropriate.

’Upon completion of the investigation, and after it is shared with key parties, a factual summary of the findings will be made public.’

Mr Warden said disclosure of information is controlled by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Freedom Of Information Act. He said: ’HSWI inspectors cannot release information they have gathered through the use of their powers other than in the form of a factual report.

’In addition, it is not possible to release information during ongoing investigations or enforcement action. Any changes to these arrangements would require legislation.’

Mr Warden said Isle of Man Railways adopt UK standards for general railway operations and standards specific to heritage railways where they are applicable.

Services were temporarily suspended on Thursday for failing to comply with a reduced speed limit of 8mph but resumed again the following morning after trials of speed monitoring equipment.

Asked why services were not suspended immediate after the runaway tram incident, Mr Warden replied: ’Steps were taken to ensure appropriate levels of safety while the review is underway - including the introduction of a reduced speed limit.

’Subsequent monitoring of tram speeds identified a number of cases where modified limits were exceeded and immediate action was taken to halt operations. Successful trials of speed monitoring equipment and management procedures have since taken place and services have resumed.

’Isle of Man Railways has taken steps to identify the heritage issues which do not lend themselves readily to modern levels of health and safety. It has appointed an industry expert on heritage railways from the UK to take the lead on this matter.’

Mr Warden said the tram involved in the incident is not in use, pending examination by engineers. He said the number of passengers on board is part of the on-going investigation.

And he is not aware of any other brake related incidents being reported to the HSWI in the last five years.