Britain’s Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has opened an investigation into the derailment of a passenger train in Essex after it was travelling at around 77mph (124km/h).
The incident occurred at approximately 2:08pm on August 14, when a Greater Anglia train travelling from Southend Victoria to London Liverpool Street derailed about 2.1 miles (3.4km) southeast of Wickford station.
The train comprised two Class 720 electric multiple units, with each unit made up of five vehicles. The rearmost vehicle derailed, with its wheels subsequently travelling along the sleepers and ballast for approximately 1.5 miles (2.4km).
Despite the high speed and distance travelled after the derailment, the train remained upright. None of the 62 passengers and other people believed to have been on board were injured.
According to the RAIB, preliminary analysis of the train’s on-board data recorder showed that it was travelling at about 77mph when the derailment occurred.
The driver reportedly saw a kink in the track and felt the driving cab rock as the train passed over the affected section. Forward-facing CCTV footage recovered from the train also showed a track misalignment at the same location.
The driver was attempting to notify the signaller about the condition of the track when an emergency call was received from another train travelling in the opposite direction. The driver then applied the train’s brakes.
The derailment caused significant damage to the affected train, track, signalling equipment and overhead electrification infrastructure. The train travelling in the opposite direction sustained minor damage after being struck by flying ballast.
RAIB Investigation
The RAIB said its investigation will examine the sequence of events before and during the derailment, the actions of those involved and other factors that may have contributed to the incident.
Investigators will also assess the condition of the track, how it was maintained and whether hot weather played a role in the track becoming misaligned.
Particular attention will be given to the effectiveness of measures designed to reduce the risks of operating trains during periods of high temperatures.
The investigation will also assess the performance of the train during the derailment and consider any underlying management or organisational factors.
The RAIB stressed that its investigation is independent of any separate inquiry being carried out by the railway industry or the Office of Rail and Road.
The final findings, along with any safety recommendations considered necessary, will be published once the investigation has been completed.
A central question for investigators will be how the track became misaligned and whether extreme heat contributed to the failure. They will also seek to determine how the train managed to remain upright despite derailing at approximately 77mph
