01.02.08
RAIB Report released into a derailment at King Edward bridge in Newcastle
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has released its report today on a derailment of a freight train at King Edward Bridge in Newcastle on Tyne on 10 May 2007. The full report into the incident is available here: http://www.raib.gov.uk/publications/investigation_reports/reports_2008/report022008.cfm A summary of the key points from the reports is included below.
Summary
On Thursday, 10 May 2007 at 6.40am, an EWS empty coal train derailed on its approach to Newcastle station and caused significant damage to operating equipment on the track and King Edward Bridge; in addition several wagons were severely damaged. There were no injuries but train services were disrupted and some tracks were closed for several days. The immediate cause of the incident was a combination of a relatively minor track defect and a distorted wagon frame. Causal factors involved the wagon experiencing a twist as it passed over a set of points. There were also five contributory factors.
Recommendations
The RAIB has made four recommendations as a result of this incident. These involve:
- the design and maintenance of the Carlisle line crossover at King Edward Bridge;
- standards for track inspection and maintenance; and
- procedures to detect defective wagons on the network.
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