Azuma accident
An investigation into a low-speed collision at Neville Hill depot will examine the design and validation of Class 800s - including cab ergonomics, crashworthiness performance, and resistance to derailment in collisions.
It follows an incident when an LNER Azuma and a High Speed Train collided at the Leeds depot at around 2140 on November 13. Nobody was injured but both trains were severely damaged, and three Azuma vehicles derailed. Both trains were empty and moving onto the depot.
The HST, travelling at around 5mph, was hit by 800109, which was travelling at around 14mph.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) interim report released on November 22 states that the Azuma caught up and collided with the rear of the HST as both were moving onto the depot. Low-speed movement of trains close together is permitted by the signalling at the location.
The leading driving vehicle of the nine-coach bi-mode ‘800’was significantly damaged, and LNER Engineering Director John Doughty told RAIL on November 20 that the set is likely to be out of traffic for several months. It was moved under its own power to Hitachi’s Doncaster depot in the early hours of November 25 for further assessment.
The trailing bogies on the Azuma’s second and third coaches, and the trailing axle of the fourth coach, derailed to the right in the direction of travel.
The rear power car of the
HST (43300) suffered significant structural damage but remained on the track.
RAIB said it will also look at the actions, training and competence of staff involved and any other underlying factors.
An Hitachi spokesman told RAIL: “All of our trains are built to the very latest safety standards and with a modern crashworthy design. There have been no allegations against the train.”