Investigation into the derailment of a passenger train at East Langton, near Market Harborough, Leicestershire, on 20 February 2010

Updated 5 August 2010

The RAIB is carrying out an investigation into the high speed derailment of one pair of wheels on train 1F45, the 14:55 hrs service from St Pancras to Sheffield, at about 15:46 hrs on 20 February 2010.  The train comprised a seven-car Class 222 ‘Meridian’ Diesel Electrical Multiple Unit operated by East Midlands Trains and was carrying approximately 190 passengers and a number of train crew.  On approaching the site of the derailment the train was travelling at close to 100 mph.  No other wheels derailed and the train remained upright.

No injuries were caused to the passengers or train crew although significant damage was caused to the track and signalling equipment over a distance of two miles.  There were also reports that one or more road vehicles on an adjacent highway were struck and damaged by debris as the derailed train passed.

The evacuation of the passengers into another train was completed about four hours after the derailment.  The line was then closed for a period of three days to enable train recovery and repairs to the infrastructure.

The RAIB’s investigation, being conducted with the assistance of industry parties involved, has found that the derailment was a result of a broken axle. To date, the investigation has found no evidence that axle fatigue initiated the failure. Currently, the focus of the investigation is on a gearbox output bearing, underneath which the axle fractured.  The inner ring of this bearing had rotated on the axle and it is thought that this slipping at the inner ring/axle interface gave rise to very high temperatures. This was sufficient to weaken the axle to the extent that it was no longer able to carry its normal loads.

This issue has been notified to and within industry and mitigation measures taken.

To date, there is no evidence that the condition of the railway infrastructure or signalling contributed to the derailment.

The RAIB’s investigation 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.

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