RAIB makes recommendations on multi-purpose vehicle braking risks

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) says Network Rail should identify and implement suitable measures to mitigate the risks of runaways of Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs), caused by multiple unintended operation of brake distributor release mechanisms.

RAIB made the recommendation in its report into a runaway at Markinch on October 17 2017, caused by a train hitting a fallen tree.

The train, formed of vehicles DR98957 and DR98907, hit a fallen tree north of Markinch station. The braking system was damaged so severely that the driver was unable to apply them.

The train then ran backwards for almost five miles, coming to a stand on the uphill gradient south of Thornton North Junction. It then ran backwards and forwards for eight further movements before finally coming to a stand at the lowest point at Thornton North Junction.

The crew jumped clear of the train about 450 metres after the train first started rolling backwards. Both suffered minor injuries in the process.

RAIB’s second recommendation is that NR assesses the risk of runaways of other short-formation trains (such as on-track plant) that operate on its infrastructure, as a result of a total loss of air braking systems due to impact from objects and debris that “might reasonably be encountered on the track”.

It adds that NR should implement any necessary measures to mitigate the risk of a runaway. Both recommendations from RAIB could also apply to other operators using similar vehicles to the Windhoff MPVs.