Investigation into an incident at Didcot North Junction on 22 August 2007
At 16:38 hrs on 22 August 2007 train 1W47, the 15:51 hrs First Great Western passenger service from London Paddington to Worcester Shrub Hill, formed by a High Speed Train set, passed SB2209 signal at danger on the Down Avoiding line to the north of Didcot station. This signal is located on the approach to Didcot North Junction and is fitted with Train Protection Warning System (TPWS) equipment that is designed to mitigate the consequences of signals being passed at danger.
At the same time train 2P66, the 16:21 hrs First Great Western passenger service from Oxford to London Paddington, was just passing clear of the junction after being routed from the Up Oxford line towards Didcot station. Despite the operation of the TPWS train 1W47 did not come to a stand until it had run onto the Up Oxford line, foul of the junction.
Initial indications are that the train, signalling and TPWS equipment functioned according to their design.
The RAIB's investigation into the incident is proceeding independently of any parallel investigations by the safety authority, but the RAIB will share technical evidence as appropriate, subject to legal exclusions such as the identity and statements of witnesses.
The RAIB will publish a report, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of its investigation. This report will be available on the RAIB website.
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