Investigation of a derailment at Grayrigg, Cumbria, on 23 February 2007

The RAIB is carrying out an investigation into the derailment of a passenger train at Grayrigg in Cumbria.

At 20:15 hrs on 23 February 2007 a Virgin Pendolino train, the 17:15 hrs from London Euston to Glasgow, derailed in the vicinity of Grayrigg at a speed of  approximately 95 mph.  All vehicles in the train derailed; the train came to rest with six of the nine vehicles down an embankment and at varying angles from their normal orientation.  One passenger was fatally injured, 28 passengers, the train driver and one other crew member suffered serious injuries and 58 passengers received minor injuries.  The remaining 18 passengers and two crew members were not physically injured in the derailment. There was severe damage to the train set and the infrastructure as a result of the derailment. The railway was not re-opened until 12 March 2007.

The emergency services attended and evacuated all passengers and staff from the train, working with help from local residents in very poor conditions.

The RAIB’s preliminary examination focused on a pair of points to the south of where the train came to a halt, and the Branch published an interim report of its initial findings on 26 February 2007. To view the interim report click here.

Since the publication of the initial interim report the RAIB’s investigation has focussed on three main areas;

  • establishing how 2B points at Lambrigg came to be in a state which led to the derailment, and whether the factors that led to this may also be present elsewhere in the network;
  • identifying if there are any similarities between this accident and other relevant accidents or incidents, including the derailment at Potters Bar on 10 May 2002; and 
  • establishing the behaviour of the train as and after it derailed, and in particular how the casualties occurred.

The RAIB published a further progress report based on its investigation on 03 October 2007. The progress report provides information on;

  • the scope of the investigation to date;
  • the areas that have been discounted as not contributing to the accident;
  • matters that are subject to further analysis; and 
  • the actions already taken by the industry. 

To view this progress report click here.

The timing of the next report by the RAIB is dependent on completion of the work listed above.  Based on information currently available, the RAIB expects to publish this in the early part of 2008. 

The RAIB’s final report will contain conclusions regarding the causes of the derailment and the casualties and make related recommendations to improve safety.

The RAIB's investigation into the derailment is proceeding independently of any parallel investigations by the British Transport Police and the safety authority, but the RAIB will share technical evidence as appropriate, subject to legal exclusions such as the identity and statements of witnesses.  This report will be available on the RAIB website.

If anyone believes that they have objective and factual information that could be pertinent to the investigation that the RAIB is conducting, then they are requested to make contact with the RAIB either in writing, by e-mail or by telephone.

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