The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) today released its report into the derailment of a freight train near Moor Street Station, Birmingham, on the 25 March 2008.
A full copy of the report is available here:
Summary
At 6:37am on Tuesday 25 March 2008, a train of empty wagons derailed whilst travelling at 15mph (24 km/h) on a viaduct to the south of Birmingham (Moor St.) station. Of the four wagons that derailed, two overturned and one of these hit and demolished a 10 metre section of parapet wall. The wall fell approximately 20 metres onto private ground below, severely damaging an unoccupied, parked car.
The RAIB investigation identified that the immediate cause of the accident was that the wheel of one of the wagons rode over the rail at the location of a severe track twist. Causal factors were that the track geometry was not compliant with industry standards, and that the track twist had not been detected or corrected. The underlying factor was that Network Rail did not identify the contribution that voids under the sleepers were making to the derailment risk in this area, and did not implement measures to control the risk.
Recommendations
The RAIB has made two recommendations as a result of this accident. These concern the design and maintenance of the track near Moor Street station, and methods to improve the identification of voids under sleepers.
One further recommendation is targeted at DB Schenker Rail (UK) Ltd, the train operator, which was trading as English, Welsh & Scottish Railway Ltd at the time of the accident. This relates to ensuring that wagons are maintained at the intervals specified in company procedures.
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 3248.
Newsdate: 18 March 2009
