A set of misaligned points caused Waterloo derailment - RAIB

A collision between a passenger train and a stationary freight train at Waterloo on August 15 ( RAIL 834) occurred because a set of points was misaligned and directed the passenger train away from its intended route, according to the Rail Accident Investigation Branch.

RAIB found this was a consequence of a temporary modification to the points control system, which also wrongly informed both the driver and the signaller that the points were correctly aligned. The driver and signaller were therefore not at fault.

The 0540 South West Trains service from Waterloo to Guildford was a ten-coach train combining Class 455 and ‘456’ units. The freight wagons parked on the approach to Platform 10 were acting as a safety barrier protecting workers involved in the station upgrade.

There were no injuries to the 23 people on board, but serious disruption affected passengers for two days, and hampered part of the station project.

The driver and signaller expected the train to turn right as it exited the platform. But instead the train moved to the left, derailing the front carriage at a speed of 11mph.

RAIB stated that its investigation would examine the circumstances leading to the installation of a temporary control system, and the safety measures provided while that temporary modification was in place. It would also consider the checking and testing procedures, and any underlying management factors.

A rail insider claimed: “It’s a failure caused by the actions of signal testers working for the Waterloo Capacity Alliance. This is something they are supposed to be the guardians of preventing. Instead they caused it. It is very worrying.”