The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has released its report today into the derailment of a freight train at Cricklewood Curve in north London on Tuesday 31 January 2006.
The full report is available here:
A summary of the key points from the report is included below;
Summary
On Tuesday 31 January a freight train was traversing the Cricklewood Curve at 7.5mph when two wagons derailed. The wagons overturned and started to slide down the embankment, but were held by their couplings to the rest of the train. There were no injuries as a result of the accident, but residents of flats at the foot of the embankment were evacuated as a precaution.
The immediate cause of the derailment was a severe track twist, brought about by movement of the embankment at the site of repair works to address previous movements. Track maintenance staff had not appreciated the severity of the movement before the derailment and did not carry out remedial work. A risk assessment had identified embankment movement as the greatest risk during the works, but this was not fully considered by the Network Rail staff involved in planning the work.
Recommendations
The RAIB has made six recommendations as a result of its investigation. They cover:
- application of construction regulations;
- project management systems and associated technical control; and
- technical standards regarding track deterioration.
Notes to Editors
1. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch started operation on 17th October 2005. 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: 23 January 2007
