Accident involving speeding train in Peterborough caused by driver error

An investigation found that train operators did not “effectively control the risks” after passengers on an express train were thrown from their seats.

On May 4, a Grand Central train from Sunderland to London approached a junction near Peterborough at about 65 mph (104 km/h) – more than twice the speed limit.

According to the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB), some passengers on the train suffered minor injuries when it overran the switches at Spital Junction.

Chief Inspector of Rail Accidents Andrew Hall said the incident occurred just 13 months after “a serious accident was narrowly avoided” in similar circumstances.

On 4 May at 13:00 (BST) the 09:54 service passed three points.

The maximum speed limit through the intersection was initially 30 mph (48 km/h) and was then reduced to 25 mph (40 km/h).

The train's data recorder indicated that it was traveling at 66 mph (106 km/h) as it crossed the switch.

This led to sudden sideways movements.

The driver initiated an emergency brake so that the train was neither derailed nor damaged.

The RAIB According to the investigation, the train driver “did not react appropriately” when a signal indicated that the train should take a branch with a lower speed limit.

A similar incident occurred 13 months earlier at the same location when a train crossed the 30-mile crossing at 76 miles per hour; could have caused the train to overturn.

“Fortunately, a serious accident was narrowly avoided, but 13 months later the same intersection was crossed under similar circumstances at 66 miles per hour,” Hall said.

“This underlines once again why learning from past accidents and incidents and taking effective action in response is an essential means of improving safety and avoiding a repeat of past mistakes.”

He added that an underlying factor was that neither Network Rail nor the East Coast Main Line train operators “had effectively controlled the risk of speeding at Spital Junction”.

The RAIB also said the flashing signal may not have been “as conspicuous” as the main aspect of the signal when the driver noticed it.

The report added that Grand Central did not provide its driver with the necessary non-technical skills or additional strategies to manage the risk.

The company did not take into account the risks associated with the signal in its route risk assessment, the report said.

It also said that Network Rail's reliability-focused maintenance programme also did not include a way to “effectively address” the deterioration of traffic lights at crossings.

The branch made four new recommendations to both Grand Central and Network Rail.

The BBC has asked Network Rail and Grand Central for comment