Lime Street collapse investigation to focus on wall’s structure
THE Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has launched an investigation into the partial collapse of a ten-metre-high retaining wall near to Liverpool Lime Street that resulted in a weeklong closure of the station ( RAIL 822).
The investigation will focus on the history of the wall and the site adjacent to it, as well as Network Rail’s management of the wall, after some 80 cubic metres of material fell into the cutting and onto all four running tracks.
RAIB says its final report will also present the findings of subsequent structural examinations of the wall and any underlying management factors, and include recommendations to improve future safety.
Its investigation will draw
conclusions on the cause of the wall collapse, which is widely believed to have been due to a number of heavily loaded shipping containers on land above the cutting exceeding the wall’s loading capacity.
RAIB has confirmed that two trains were in the immediate vicinity of the incident, which occurred at approximately 1738 on February 28.
Northern’s 1640 Manchester Airport-Lime Street service was the first to arrive. Having passed through Edge Hill station, its driver reported seeing flashes ahead indicating contact with the overhead wires from falling material. The overhead power supply was cut, causing the signal in front of him to change to red.
Power was restored at 1755, and the signaller asked the driver to proceed at caution in order to examine the line. But more flashes were observed and the power went off again. The driver braked and stopped 360 metres short of the collapse.
Meanwhile, the driver of the delayed 1747 Virgin Trains service from Lime Street to London Euston was travelling in the opposite direction, and was also asked to proceed at caution and examine the track. He reported a large pile of rubble blocking all lines, and that he could proceed no further.
The overhead wiring on the two tracks closest to the wall had been completely demolished, while the other two had been badly damaged.