The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has released its report today a collision near Burton on Trent on 1 August 2007.
The full report into the incident is available here:
A summary of the key points from the reports is included below-
Summary
On Wednesday 1 August 2007 a stanchion on an EWS freight train struck and damaged a Central Trains passenger train as they passed in opposite directions near Burton on Trent station. There were no injuries, but the collision caused some damage to the passenger train.
The immediate cause of the incident was a fractured stanchion on the freight train, which moved out to a horizontal position as the passenger train passed in the opposite direction. Causal factors were the stanchion box becoming detached, having previously been fractured along three sides, and the fractured stanchion not being detected before the freight train began its journey. There were three contributory factors to the incident.
Recommendations
The RAIB has made four recommendations as a result of this incident. These involve:
- the detection and replacement of damaged stanchions;
- guidance on the criteria for replacing damaged stanchions;
- the use of appropriate stanchions.
Notes to Editors
1. 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.
2. For media enquiries please call 020 7944 6984.
Newsdate: 10 January 2008
