Press Release: UK Rail Accident Investigation Branch – Derailment of a freight train at Barrow upon Soar, Leicestershire, 27 December 2012
The RAIB is investigating a derailment that occurred on the Midland Main Line, around 1 mile (1.6 km) north of Barrow upon Soar station, on Thursday 27 December 2012.
At about 04:55 hrs, train 6L73, comprising a class 66 locomotive and twenty loaded stone hopper wagons, encountered a bank slip while traveling southwards on the ‘up slow’ line. The locomotive and first ten wagons remained on the track, the eleventh and twelfth wagons derailed leading bogie only, the thirteenth remained on the track and the remaining seven, which separated from the rest of the train, derailed and rolled over. No one was hurt in the accident but the slow lines remained closed for recovery and repairs for a week and a half afterwards.
Aerial view of the derailed train (courtesy of Network Rail)
Train 6L73 was the second train to pass over the up slow line since 24 December; the first train, an un-laden freight train had passed around two hours earlier. Evidence examined to date suggests that the slip had been progressing for some time before it was encountered by train 6L73.
Aerial view of rear of derailed train and bank slip (courtesy of Network Rail)
The RAIB’s investigation will examine the sequence of events leading up to the accident and the cause of the derailment. This will include consideration of the management of the earthwork and track assets in this area and the significance of the wet weather experienced over the previous year.
The RAIB’s investigation is independent of any investigations by the safety authority (the Office of Rail Regulation).
The RAIB will publish its findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of its investigation. This report will be available on the RAIB website.
