Investigation into the derailment of a road/rail excavator and two wagons near Scarva on 9 March 2008

The RAIB is carrying out an investigation into an accident that occurred at 23:20 hrs on 9 March 2008 where a road/rail excavator and two wagons derailed. The excavator then fell down a steep embankment with the driver inside before coming to rest on its side. No-one was injured as a consequence of the accident, although the excavator and both wagons sustained damage.

The accident occurred on the Belfast to Dublin route at a location known as Terryhoogan bog, near Scarva. Debris blocked one of the two tracks, although services between Dublin and Belfast were able to continue by the adoption of single line working at reduced speed past the accident site while investigation and recovery activities were undertaken. The excavator and wagons were recovered shortly afterwards and normal services have now resumed.

The RAIB's investigation into the accident is independent of any investigations by the safety authority.

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.

You can subscribe to automated emails notifying you when the RAIB publishes its reports. Click to subscribe.