21.12.17
RAIB: Waterloo station crash caused by points mistake
A crash at London Waterloo station in August this year was caused by a set of points which were not in the correct position.
The incident saw a passenger train collide with a stationary engineering train as the first was leaving the station early in the morning.
It also caused chaos for commuters travelling into the capital as platforms 1 to 13 were out of use, causing severe delays.
Interim reports from the RAIB say that the train was travelling about 13mph, and – while there were no injuries – there was serious disruption to services and both trains were damaged.
Due to a temporary modification to the points control system, the train driver and signaller received indications that the points were correctly set, when in fact they sent the train towards a collision.
Although the driver did become aware of the situation and applied the vehicle’s brakes, this was only three seconds before the collision and slowed the train by just 2mph.
The RAIB said it will be looking into “the design processes intended to ensure safe design of modifications made during the engineering work, the processes for identifying errors and the reasons why these were ineffective on this occasion.”
It will also be investigating any underlying management factors and relevant training, working hours and fatigue and competence checks.
When it is fully completed, the RAIB’s investigation report will include recommendations to reduce the likelihood and consequences of such an incident occurring in future.
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