The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) today released its report into the collision of a train with a demolished footbridge at Barrow upon Soar. There were no major injuries from this incident.
The full report is available here:
A summary of the key points from the report is included below:
Summary
Early on the morning of 01 February 2008, at Barrow upon Soar, Leicestershire, the 06:13 hrs Nottingham to Norwich train collided with debris from a footbridge that had been knocked down by the raised body of a tipper lorry a short time earlier. The train derailed and continued on for 170 metres.
The cab of the train was severely damaged due to it colliding with the debris from the footbridge. The driver of the train, the guard and one of the passengers were taken to hospital. The guard and the passenger were released later that day and the driver early the next morning. The cab of the tipper lorry was also severely damaged; however, its driver escaped injury.
The immediate cause of the accident was that the train was unable to stop before it hit the debris from the footbridge. The footbridge was demolished because the raised body of the tipper lorry collided with it. The driver forgot to fully lower the body of the tipper because he was distracted from his normal routine by having to unlock the cab passenger door to allow access for a member of railway staff.
Recommendations
As a consequence of this accident, the RAIB has made recommendations targeted at Network Rail that relate to:
- the assessment of risks during transit operation of road vehicles on their land near to the running line
- a review of arrangements to ensure that correct protection is used when undertaking work on or near the running line
The RAIB has also recommended that the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) examines designing trains to mitigate the consequences of derailment.
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 4671.
Newsdate: 25 September 2008
