10.07.15
RAIB investigates freight train derailment near Angerstein Wharf
An investigation has been launched by the RAIB after a freight train, comprising 22 empty JGA wagons hauled by a class 66 locomotive, derailed at a ‘low speed’ on a curved section of track near Angerstein Wharf last month.
The derailment, which occurred on 3 June, was caused after the leading wheelset of the 11th wagon derailed as it was passing over a set of trap points about 50 metres before the junction with the North Kent Line.
After braking on the approach to a stop signal, the driver was not immediately aware of the derailment. He restarted his train from the signal when it cleared but then the remaining wheels of the 11th wagon, and all wheels on the 10th and 12th wagons, were then pulled off the track as they continued over Angerstein Junction, onto the Down North Kent Line.
Having travelled about 160 metres after the initial derailment, the train was stopped when a brake pipe broke between two of the derailed wagons, as part of an automatic brake application.
The derailment caused damage to wagons, cabling and signal equipment, and track. Train services on the North Kent line suffered disruption until 5 June.
The accident occurred at the place where a similar train derailed on 2 April 2014. This earlier derailment was subject to an RAIB investigation, the report of which will be published soon.
RAIB said the “investigation into the 3 June 2015 derailment will therefore concentrate on identifying any safety learning additional to that gained from the earlier investigation”.
(Image of the derailment on 3 June c. Daniel Rudge)
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