17.04.15
More needs to be done as containers ‘blown away’
The RAIB is currently investigating two cases of empty containers being blown of freight trains by high winds in Cumbria and Lincolnshire – both incidents happening in March.
Fortunately both incidents occurred without injury, but the risk is worrying.
Following the incidents Network Rail has issued an instruction to freight operating companies requiring empty containers carried on wagons with non-compliant UIC spigots to be mechanically locked to the wagon or removed from the train, pending the conclusion of investigations into the incidents. Surely, this should have been issued after the first incident in Scout Green, Cumbria?
RAIB has stated that it will consider the factors that led to these incidents, including actions taken to rectify the “deficient design of the type of spigot in line with the recommendation made in the Hardendale and Cheddington report”.
It is worrying though that seven years on from the Hardendale and Cheddington report that this issue does not seem to be fully resolved. Surely more needs to be done?
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