08.02.08
Investigation into an accident at Barrow on Soar on 1 February 2008
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) is carrying out an investigation into an accident where a passenger train collided with a damaged footbridge at Barrow on Soar, Leicestershire, on 1 February 2008.
The accident occurred at 06:32 hrs. Shortly before that time a tipper lorry that had been delivering materials to a work site on the railway was leaving the site, when it struck a footbridge to the north of Barrow on Soar station, causing the footbridge to collapse onto the Leicester to Nottingham / Derby railway line. Before the line could be closed to traffic the 06:13 hrs Nottingham to Norwich train, running number 1L03, which consisted of a 2 car Class 158 multiple unit, struck the remains of the footbridge.
The train derailed, and sustained considerable damage to its cab. The driver of the train was seriously injured in the collision, and was taken to hospital. Two other workers on site received medical treatment. None of the six passengers on the train was injured. All four lines of the railway through Barrow on Soar were blocked to traffic.
On the basis of a preliminary examination there is no indication that the condition of the train, the track, or the signalling system caused the derailment.
The ongoing investigation will focus on the circumstances of the lorry striking the bridge and the crashworthiness performance of the train post derailment.
The RAIB's investigation into the accident is independent of any investigations by the safety authority and the British Transport Police.
The RAIB will publish a report, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of its investigation. This report will be available on the RAIB website.
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