The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has released its report today into the derailment of an empty passenger train at Watford Junction Yard on 28 October 2005.
The full report is available here.
A summary of the key points from the report is included below
Summary
A train formed of an empty 4-car electric multiple unit was derailed in the yard at Watford Junction station at approximately 05.30 hrs on 28 October 2005. There were no injuries to staff and the derailment was limited to the second bogie of the second vehicle. Some damage occurred to the track which was repaired, enabling the branch to be reopened by 16.00hrs that day.
The immediate cause was an error in the operation of the ground frame controlling the points causing the points to move under the train.
Contributing factors were: inadequate understanding by staff of the operation and function of the ground frame; absence of suitable written instructions for the operation of the ground frame; the absence of any locking preventing the movement of the points during the passage of a train.
Recommendations
Four recommendations are made to reduce the likelihood of a recurrence of this incident. They cover:
- Briefing of staff in the operation of the ground frame
- The physical process of operating the ground frame
- Formal written instruction to operate the ground frame
- The possible long term provision of a locking arrangement at the ground frame.
Actions Already Taken or in Progress
The train operator has re-briefed the staff involved and is updating its Competence Management System for the ground frame.
Notes to Editors
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch started operation on 17 October 2005. The sole purpose of RAIB investigations is to prevent future accidents and incidents and improve railway safety. The RAIB does not establish blame, liability or carry out prosecutions.
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Newsdate: 28 March 2006
