UK probes passenger train derailment as 62 escape injury

Britain's Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has launched a formal investigation into the derailment of a passenger train in Essex. The incident occurred on August 14, with the train traveling at approximately 77 mph. Remarkably, all 62 people on board escaped the derailment without injury.

The Greater Anglia train was en route from Southend Victoria to London Liverpool Street when the rearmost vehicle derailed about 2.1 miles southeast of Wickford station. The derailed wheels ran on the track bed for approximately 1.5 miles, yet the train remained upright. Preliminary analysis of the train's data recorder indicates the high speed at the moment of derailment.

The driver reported observing a "kink in the track" that caused the train's cab to rock. Forward-facing CCTV footage confirmed a misalignment in the track at the location where the derailment happened. While the driver was attempting to report the track condition, an emergency call was received from another train traveling in the opposite direction, prompting the driver to apply the brakes.

The RAIB's investigation will scrutinize the sequence of events leading to and during the derailment, the actions of those involved, and contributing factors. A key focus will be the condition and maintenance of the track, as well as the effectiveness of measures designed to mitigate risks associated with operating trains in hot weather. The investigation will also assess the train's performance and any underlying management factors. The incident caused significant damage to the train, track, signaling equipment, and overhead electrification infrastructure.

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The driver reported seeing a kink in the track which rocked the driving cab as the train passed over it.