The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) today released its report into the derailment of a passenger train near Cummersdale, Cumbria on 1 June 2009.
A full copy of the report is available here:
Summary
At about 14:20 hrs on 1 June 2009, train 2C31 was travelling towards Carlisle from Whitehaven on the Maryport to Carlisle section of the Cumbrian Coast line. The driver of the train had been requested by the signaller to examine the line (i.e. to visually check the track while driving at a cautionary speed) in order to find a track defect which had been reported to the signaller by the driver of the preceding train. Whilst observing the line ahead for the defect, the driver of train 2C31 noticed a severe track buckle, but the train’s speed was too fast to be able to stop in time. As a consequence the single car diesel unit derailed by its leading bogie and ran for about 25 metres before coming to rest. There were no injuries.
The RAIB investigation identified the factors which led to the formation of the track buckle. These related to the hot weather on 1 June 2009, the maintenance and inspection of the expansion gaps between the rails of the jointed track and the maintenance activity undertaken at the derailment site on the day before the derailment.
The investigation also identified the factors which led to the train being allowed to run over the affected portion of line at speed. These related to the inappropriate instruction to a driver to examine the line for the reported track defect, inadequate communications between the signaller and driver of train 2C31 and the excessive speed of the train while examining the line.
Recommendations
As a consequence of this incident, the RAIB has made four recommendations targeted at Network Rail and one recommendation targeted at Northern Rail, the train operator. These cover the following areas:
- improved standards for the maintenance and repair of jointed track;
- identifying and monitoring sections of jointed track on the network which have similar characteristics to the track which buckled at Cummersdale;
- re-briefing of signallers on the correct actions to take when a track defect has been reported which could endanger a train; and
- introduction of a specific requirement in the Rule Book for train drivers to clarify with the signaller what the maximum speed should be when examining the line.
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: 25 March 2010
